Evaluating genetic disorders

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to genetic analysis and evaluation utilizing copy-number variants or polymorphisms. The methods utilize array comparative genomic hybridization and PCR assays to identify the significance of copy number variations in a subject or subject group.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/421,348 filed May 31, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Nos. 60/746,359 filed May 3, 2006 and 60/746,482filed May 4, 2006, which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention is in the field of genetics, diagnostics and treatment.Specifically, the invention relates to the discovery andcharacterization of genetic abnormalities. In addition, the inventionencompasses the generation and utilization of databases, i.e., knowledgemanagement tools, to screen and identify drug treatments tailoredspecifically for an individual or for a particular cohort ofindividuals. The compositions and methods embodied in the presentinvention are particularly useful in identifying microscopic andsubmicroscopic genome variations, including deletions, duplications andlarge-scale polymorphisms, so as to gauge genomes for variationsassociated with normal and disease states.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specificationare herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if eachindividual publication or patent application was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Altered DNA copy number is one of the many ways that gene expression andfunction may be modified. Some variations are found among normalindividuals, others occur in the course of normal processes in somespecies, and still others participate in causing various disease states.For example, many defects in human development are due to gains andlosses of chromosomes and chromosomal segments that occur prior to orshortly after fertilization, whereas DNA dosage alterations that occurin somatic cells are frequent contributors to cancer. Therefore,detection of such aberrations, and interpreting them within the contextof broader knowledge, facilitates identification of critical genes andpathways involved in biological processes and diseases, and providesclinically relevant information, such as in identifying efficacious drugregimes.

One obstacle in medical genetics has proven to be “ascertainment bias”,which refers to an inherent skewing ascribed to data, because of themanner in which such data is collected. Several examples ofascertainment bias are known. Indeed, many of the ‘classical’ patientsdescribed in the relevant art actually represent the more severe end ofthe spectrum, because such patients were much more likely to seekmedical attention and therefore be observed. For example, the classicaldescriptions of patients with Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY) depict amentally retarded male with gynecomastia (breast development) andinfertility. In fact, however, an unbiased population survey revealsthat 1:1,000 men have this syndrome and 80% of them have neithersignificant mental retardation nor gynecomastia (although all areinfertile). Similarly, it was originally determined that the majority offemales with Turner syndrome (45, X0) had mental retardation. However,this determination was also proven false, as those in the art hadidentified only the most severely affected patients. Indeed, because ofascertainment bias, cytogeneticists conducted large studies onunselected newborns, so that the true rate of chromosomal abnormalitiescould be more rigorously investigated. Of course such studies requiredprohibitively labor and time intensive cytogenetic analysis, but theresearchers realized that data must be obtained from a relatively largenumber of individuals to provide a reference population.

Conceptual and technical developments in molecular cytogenetics are nowenhancing the resolving power of conventional chromosome analysistechniques to levels that are unprecedented. Over the past several yearsarray comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) has demonstrated itsvalue for analyzing DNA copy number variations. Array CGH (ComparativeGenomic Hybridization), is a new technology that has the capacity ofexamining chromosomes at a much higher resolution than standardcytogenetics techniques. It is clear that array CGH technology willemerge as the dominant tool for diagnostics in the 21st century: afundamental requirement for every cytogenetics and diagnostic referencelab as well as for the researchers focused on genetic research withinacademia, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

Copy-number variation presents an important opportunity in medicalgenetics. The importance of normal copy-number variation involving largesegments of DNA has been unappreciated, until now. Although array CGHhas established the existence of copy number polymorphisms in the humangenome, the picture of this normal variation is incomplete. In resultsreported to date, measurement noise has restricted detection topolymorphisms that involve genomic segments of many kilobases or larger,genome coverage has been far from comprehensive, and the population hasnot been adequately sampled.

A comprehensive understanding of these normal variations is of intrinsicbiological interest and is essential for the proper interpretation ofarray CGH data and its relation to phenotype. Furthermore, understandingthe copy number polymorphisms that are detectable by a particular arrayCGH technique is important so that normal variations are not falselyassociated with disease, and, conversely, to determine if some so-callednormal variation may underlie phenotypic characteristics such as diseasesusceptibility.

As such, the intense utilization of array CGH technology is driving theessential need for understanding normal variation throughout the humanpopulation. The present invention provides compositions and methods thatfill this unmet need for understanding normal variation thusfacilitating personalized genetic based evaluation and treatment.However, copy number abnormalities or variations currently represent anenormous untapped opportunity in the field of predictive personalizedmedicine. These copy number variations, also called copy numberpolymorphisms, occur in both normal situations as a part of the changesthat have occurred within populations of individuals but also occur indisease states. Being able to distinguish between normal copy variationsand those associated with a disease would permit a more accuratediagnosis based on a genetic analysis.

It is believed that copy number abnormalities are key genetic componentswhich will be used to diagnose disease, as well as differentiatepharmaceuticals for drug efficacy and adverse reactions in anindividual. Since many disorders can be associated in at least somecases with very rare variants, it is necessary for the size of thedatabase utilized for such genetic analysis to be large. Utilizing asmaller database can provide absolutely incorrect results leading toerroneous diagnosis and treatment.

For example, a chromosome 8q24.3 microdeletion was first detected in apatient with a rare pediatric syndrome, Kabuki Make Up syndrome. Theinvestigators at the time did not yet appreciate how frequent suchvariants were. Kabuki make-up syndrome (KMS) is a multiplemalformation/mental retardation syndrome that was described initially inJapan but is now known to occur in many other ethnic groups. However,the immediate temptation was to conclude that this variant wasassociated with the disorder being investigated. Further investigationsrevealed the microdeletion to be present in a small percentage ofCaucasians, none of whom suffered from Kabuki syndrome. There have been13 chromosomal abnormalities associated with KMS. However, no commonabnormalities or breakpoints that possibly contribute to positionalcloning of the putative KMS gene(s) are known (Matsumoto et al. 2003).Although clinical manifestations of KMS are well established, itsnatural history, useful for genetic counseling, remains to be studied.

Because of the magnitude of the number of variations that exist in thegenetic material and the existence of normal copy number abnormalities,sophisticated analysis tools are required to interpret the results ofany genetic evaluation. There is thus the need for methods, and tools,such as variation knowledge management tools of the present invention,to permit an accurate diagnosis of a sub-microscopic chromosomalvariant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There are five core aspects of the present invention driven by theengine of the normal variation knowledge management tools. Although allfive core aspects rely on the use of the normal variation knowledgemanagement tools (KMTs), the aspects are mutually exclusive. The coreaspects are: 1. Diagnostic Tests and Diagnostic Certainty Services; 2.Research and Research Services; 3. Translational Medicine; 4. Predictiveand Personalized Medicine; and 5. Life Sciences Tools.

The present invention provides compositions and methods for generatingand utilizing Normal Variation KMTs, comprehensive relational databasesand suites of software tools derived from internal methodologies ofarray CGH technology, thus making universal tools for the field atlarge. One embodiment of the invention provides compositions and methodsthat essentially eliminate the subjective nature of interpretingchromosomal changes so that the technology field as a whole can rely onarray CGH derived data in both research and diagnostic environments(“bench to bedside”). By providing information on copy number variationsfrom thousands of individuals, the KMTs remove the subjectiveinterpretation of array CGH data and provide a means for securing themedically relevant consensus of a biomarker amongst physicians withinthe prescribing community. In other words, the KMTs enable a clinicianto actually determine the significance of a copy number variationdetected in a subject (e.g., patient needing treatment or subject fordiagnostic purposes).

The KMTs perform this function by providing population frequencies ofcopy number changes and association data between certain copy numberchanges and certain phenotypes and disease states, genomic annotation interms of gene content and known disorders. There are two KMTs, thenormal copy number variation database and a copy number breakpoint map,provided as software and/or a computer system for comparing informationderived from the genome of subjects against the KMTs to determine thesignificance of any copy number polymorphisms present.

In addition to aCGH, PCR assays are utilized to study copy numbervariation and as well as analyze a number of these variants at amolecular level. An embodiment of the invention also provides severalproducts that are utilized in one or more methods described herein. Theproducts include software on a computer readable medium for programminga computer to perform the comparison of test information from subjectsagainst the KMTs, computer systems for doing such comparisons, CGHarrays for running the analysis of the subject's genome, and reagentsand downstream analysis components, such as requests for performinganalyses for biomarkers of significance that are related to diseases orconditions identified utilizing the KMTs of the invention.

An aspect of the invention includes utilizing the KMTs inpharmacogenomics, toxicogenomics and genetic counseling by associatingthe identified relevant copy number polymorphisms and the effectivenessor adverse effects of therapeutics. Such relevance and associationcreates personalized medicine by linking an individual's genome to moresuccessful administration of pharmaceuticals. This linkage also permitsthe rescue of pharmaceuticals from clinical trials by identifyingsubpopulations of individuals for whom the therapeutic is useful basedon the comparison of the genomic variations to the KMTs of theinvention.

In one embodiment, a database for normal copy number variants iscompiled and corresponds to genome-wide analysis for a large populationof subjects comprising hundreds or thousands or at least 10,000subjects. In another embodiment, a database of normal copy numbervariants is compiled for each of multiple cohorts of subjects, whereineach cohort represents an ethnic group, and whereby each databaseprovides genome-wide analysis for very large groups comprising thousandsor at least 10,000 subjects. As used herein an “ethnic group” includesany of the known human ethnic groups, including subgroups where desired,where an ethnic group is a human population whose members identify witheach other, usually on the basis of a presumed common genealogy orancestry (Smith 1986). Ethnic groups are also usually united by commoncultural, behavioural, linguistic, or religious practices. In thissense, an ethnic group is also a cultural community.

From an objective standpoint, an ethnic group is also an endogamouspopulation, that is, members of an ethnic group procreate primarily withother members of their ethnic group, something which is measurable interms of characteristic average genetic frequencies. These differences,however, usually do not approach the magnitude of racial difference inthat the genetic differences within an ethnic group are greater than thedifference between any two ethnic groups. The characteristic of endogamyis reinforced by proximity, cultural familiarity, and also socialpressure (in extreme cases, by legal command) to procreate within theethnic group. Examples of ethnic groups include White, Black, Hispanic,Asian, Middle Eastern, Jewish, or Shia Muslim. Additional examples, maybe based on race or creed, or a subgroup within a group, such asnationality (e.g., Icelandic), or such as sect within a religious group(e.g., Hasidic Jews).

In one embodiment, a method is provided to determine the relevance ofcopy number variant in a subject comprising comparing information of oneor more copy number variants from the genome of a subject to acompilation of data of the frequencies of copy number variants in atleast 100 subjects, and determining the relevance of said one or morecopy number variants from the comparison in the preceding step. Inanother embodiment, the compilation comprises data from at least 100,1000, 5000, 10,000, 25,000 or 50,000 subjects. In a preferred embodimentthe data represents genome-wide analysis. In another embodiment, thedata provides frequencies of occurrence for one or more copy numbervariants in said compilations from at least 100, 1000, 5000, 10,000,25,000 or 50,000 subjects.

In one aspect, the KMTs of the present invention allow for adetermination of whether one or more copy number variation in a subject,test subject or patient is associated with a condition or disease. Inanother aspect, the KMTs of the present invention allow for adetermination of whether to eliminate or utilize a particulartherapeutic in a subject, based on the information provided of one ormore copy number variants in a subject.

In one embodiment, array comparative genome hybridization is utilized toobtain information of one or more copy number variations in eachsubject.

In one aspect the data compilations in one or more databases provideinformation comprising information of breakpoint maps for the subjects.In one embodiment, PCR screening is utilized to obtain information aboutone or more copy number variants.

One aspect of the invention is directed to accessing as set of datarepresenting frequencies of one or more copy number variants in at least100, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 25,000 or 50,000 subjects. In one embodiment,such involves computer executable logic, computer peripherals andcomputer hardware.

Another aspect of the invention provides a computer executable logiccomprising a computer readable medium for enabling a processor todetermine the relevance of one or more copy number variants in thegenome of a subject. The computer executable logic comprises theprocessor receiving a set of data comprising frequency data for one ormore copy number variants from the genome of at least 100, 1000, 5,000,10,000, 25,000 or 50,000 subjects. In another embodiment, the comparisonis to one or more data sets comprising one or more cohorts wherein eachcohort represents an ethnic group and wherein the frequencies of one ormore copy number variants are comprised in data sets for each of one ormore cohorts.

In one embodiment one or more data sets of the invention comprisefrequency data for one or more cohorts, wherein each cohort representsan ethnic groups, and wherein each data set is a compilation of dataobtained from at least 100, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 25,000 or 50,000subjects. The computer executable logic further directs the processor tocompare copy number variations from a subject, test subject or patient,to the preceding one or more data sets. In addition, the computerexecutable logic further directs the processor to provide output in anelectronic or paper format which determines the significance of one ormore copy number variants present in said subject, test subject, orpatient, relative to a phenotype associated with a disease, condition ordisorder. In another embodiment, the determination is whether aparticular therapeutic should be eliminated, initiated or used incombination with another therapeutic, in designing a therapeutic regimenfor said subject, test subject or patient.

In one embodiment the data comprising the copy number variants for oneor more cohorts, or for a subject, test subject or patient, is obtainedthrough comparative genome wide comparative hybridization analysis orbreakpoint mapping analysis. In one embodiment the data is obtainedthrough array comparative genome hybridization. In another embodiment,the breakpoint mapping analysis is conducted by PCR.

In another aspect of the invention, a method is directed to identifyinga therapeutic useful for treating a condition comprising obtaininginformation from the genome of a cohort of subjects undergoing clinicaltrial for said condition, wherein the method comprises identifying oneor more copy number variant in said cohort, comparing said one or morevariant to a data compilation corresponding to frequencies of copynumber variants in at least 100, 1000, 5,000, 10,000, 25,000 or 50,0000subjects to determine whether said one or more copy number abnormalitiesin said cohorts are present in said 100, 1000, 5,000, 10,000, 25,000 or50,000 subjects, thus correlating the relevance of said one or more copynumber abnormalities in said cohort to said condition, and identifyingwhether said therapeutic is useful for treating said condition.

In one embodiment, by comparison of copy number variants in a subject toa data set for a particular cohort, the method is directed toidentification of one or more subpopulations from said cohort in whichsaid therapeutic is useful in treatment, where the therapeutic isidentified as useful, if the benefits outweigh any adverse effects orthe therapeutic is identified as not useful if the adverse effectsoutweigh any benefits. In a preferred embodiment, the KMTs incorporatingcopy number variant data sets for a cohort or a subgroup(s) within acohort are compared to copy number variants in a patient provide copynumber variant frequencies that allow a determination for whether one ormore copy number variants in subgroup(s) of said cohort are identifiedfor whom said drug should be prescribed (i.e., is useful in therapy) orshould not be prescribed (i.e., drug adverse effects outweigh anybenefits).

Another embodiment of the invention includes business methods ofcommercializing and licensing the KMTs, creating a CLIA lab forperforming the genomic screening or assays for significant biomarkersidentified with the KMTs, and forming licensing agreements with otherinstitutions or groups for researching and gathering additional genomicinformation for inclusion in and expansion of the KMTs.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to a business method whereevaluation of copy number variant(s) identified in a subject or subgroupor cohort is provided to an individual or group, where the methodcomprises providing a computer executable logic directing a processor todetermine the relevance of said copy number variant(s), where saidvariants are input as data through an automatic or manual process,whereby the processor receives said input data, where said processorcompares said input data to a data set representing copy number variantfrequencies present in at least 100, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 25,000 or50,000 subjects, to determine the significance of input data relative toa phenotype associated with a condition, disease or disorder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a graph corresponding to a chip array analysis via normalvariants provided by the present invention's KMTs, resulting inidentification of three medically relevant biomarkers; morespecifically, two markers occur near 1.6 (Y axis) and one occurs near0.6 (Y axis).

FIG. 2 depicts a schematic demonstrating a junction fragment PCR assay.a) Normal allele: P2 and P3 amplify a 420 bp PCR product; P1 and P4flank a ˜182,400 bp region and do not generate; b) Deleted allele: P1and P4 amplify a 300 bp PCR product; N/N: 420 bp/420 bp; N/A: 420 bp/300bp; A/A: 300 bp.

: Deleted region (182,088 bp in length); A: Deletion; N: non-deletion;P: primer

FIG. 3 illustrates some common genetic changes: A. Mutation. Onenucleotide base is substituted for another in the DNA leading toencoding of abnormal protein B. Translocation. Chromosomes exchangesegments by breakage through specific genes and reunion of broken ends.The genes thus disrupted encode aberrant proteins C. Deletion. Loss of achromosomal segment (or gene) caused by breaks in the chromosome andrejoining of broken ends. Loss of a gene abrogates its function. D.Aneuploid. Extra copy of an entire chromosome leads to increasedexpression of many genes on it and disrupts normal balance of geneexpression. E. Amplification. Amplification of a gene leads to vastlyincreased expression of the protein encoded by it.

FIG. 4 illustrates an overview of computer-based KMT data management asincorporated in the business methods described herein.

DEFINITIONS

Array—General term referring to an orderly arrangement of elements, toeach of which has been assigned an address and an ID. In molecularbiology, the term “array” is typically used to refer to arrangements ofDNA, RNA, proteins, oligonucleotides, aptamers, or tissues.

Array-Based Comparative Genomic Hybridization (aCGH)—The use of arraysfor the simultaneous interrogation of thousands/millions of DNAsequences, whose genomic location is known. Comparison is between a‘control’ and a test sample. aCGH is not limited to any particular arrayplatform but is often considered synonymous with genomic arrays based onthe use of bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs—BAC arrays). In onenonexclusive meaning, aCGH is different from the majority of arrayanalysis performed, namely that based on the comparison betweenexpressions of genes in different tissues/individuals. The use ofgenomic DNA in aCGH results in data that has a simplistic structure, aseach genomic segment may only be present in a discrete number of copies(usually 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4), whereas the expression levels of genes mayvary from close to 0 to many million-fold.

Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes (BACs)—The mainstay of the human genomesequencing project, BACs are vectors that allow for the isolation ofgenomic DNA segments of approximately 150,000 bp in size. The publicproject was based on the sequencing of the complete inserts of BACs, athigh redundancy. DNA obtained from BACs whose genomic address is known,can be used to synthesize BAC arrays, whose performance in the detectionof copy number abnormalities is highly robust. Moreover, BACs reportinga variant may immediately be queried on publicly available databases inorder to obtain genomic location and gene content information.

Breakpoint Mapping—The characterization of the precise molecularboundaries of any translocation/deletion/duplication/inversion. Theinformation obtained from the molecular analysis of a given lesion(deletion, for example) allows for the creation of a simplified assayfor detection of that lesion. In one nonexclusive example, the molecularboundaries of a common microdeletion at a particular loci is isolatedand the information used to generate a simple PCR-based assay that iscapable of interrogating the genomes of individuals very rapidly.

Copy Number Analysis—Detection of the number of copies of a givengenomic segment by interrogation of whole genomes in a singleexperiment. In the human genome, this is of relevance to the creation ofnormal variation Knowledge Management Tools, and also of ascertainingcorrelations between certain disease states and the presence of dosageimbalances. Examples include a decrease in copy number from 2 to 1 inthe case of a heterozygous deletion and an increase from 2 to 3 in thecase of a heterozygous duplication.

Dosage Polymorphism—Copy number polymorphism. The presence in thepopulation of a genomic variant defined by an abnormal copy number (thenormal copy number is 2 for most chromosomes). Formally, a polymorphismincludes occurrences in at least 1% of the population but thisdefinition has been relaxed in the case of human genomic/geneticvariation so that variants that are believed to be ‘benign’ but whichstill occur less often than 1% are still termed polymorphisms. A moreaccurate term is ‘variant’, as this does not imply a given minimumfrequency.

Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)—A method for visualizing agiven sequence in the context of chromosomal position. Briefly, DNA islabeled with fluorescent dyes and hybridized to a set of immobilizedchromosomes from the individual of interest. Each sequence is detectedas localized fluorescence at the relevant genomic location. Useful fordetecting/validating suspected copy number changes (e.g., in aheterozygous deletion, a spot will be seen on only one of the twochromosome homologues).

Haplotype—A set of closely linked alleles (genes/DNA polymorphisms/SNPs)inherited as a unit. It is not trivial to deduce a haplotype fromgenotype information, which usually reports nothing about whichchromosome a given variant is on. For example, if an individual is Aa ata given locus and Bb at another, the relevant haplotypes could either beAB/ab or Ab/Ba.

Karyotype—A description of the content and structure of the chromosomesin a given cell type. This analysis, which relies on direct lightmicroscope visualization of the chromosomes, has been the mainstay of‘whole-genome’ analysis in the past 50 years but suffers from a lack ofresolution, in that changes of 10-20 MB are required before an variantis detected. While likely to be superseded at many levels by aCGH,karyotyping will still be necessary to detect translocations, which maybe copy number neutral and, therefore, not detectable by aCGH.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)—The most basic unit of variation atthe level of DNA sequence. SNP includes variants in the nature of asingle base—for example, at a given position, some individuals may havea ‘G’, while others may have a ‘C’. Many of these changes are consideredneutral while others may affect predisposition to certain diseasestates. Many ‘SNPs are present in far less than 1% of the population.Another meaning includes a single nucleotide variant.

Subject—The term “subject” can mean a subject from whom genomic DNA isobtained for genome analysis by one or more methods described herein soas to obtain copy number variant data. Thus, a subject can be oneindividual from at least 100, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 25,000 or 50,000individuals utilized to compile said data (or data set) for one or morecohorts, wherein a cohort represents an ethnic group, a patient group, apatient group associated with a particular condition, disease ordisorder, a group of subgroup of individuals associated with aparticular response to a treatment regimen, or clinical trial. Inaddition, a subject can mean a test subject, a patient or a candidatefor a therapeutic, where genomic DNA from said subject, patient, orcandidate is obtained for genome analysis by one or more methods of thepresent invention herein, so as to obtain copy number variant data insaid subject, patient or candidate.

Drug Rescue—The term “rescue” or “drug rescue” as used herein meansidentification of individual genetic variations, which may explain thedifferences in the response of subjects to drugs in clinical trials. Inaddition, some drugs show unexpected toxicity after several months onthe market. These rare adverse events, not previously reported in thepre-marketing trials, can jeopardize the drug's success and decrease itsmarket share. The present invention's KMTs platform allows a clinicianor medical professional to quickly examine copy number variants in aparticular patient and determine whether such variants are associatedwith variants occurring in copy number of genes associated with thedrug's pathway and search for the genetic variations associated with theparticular adverse events. Thus, “rescue” or “drug rescue” involvesidentification of which copy number variations cause differences in drugresponse. This information is then used to define a subset of thepopulation for which the drug should not be prescribed and a screeningtest identifying these patients is developed. This information can alsobe used to redefine the lead compound, allowing for a betterunderstanding of its potential effects. Therefore, the KMTs providepharmacogenomics platforms comprising optimized and automatic datamining capabilities, high throughput genotyping, statistical andbioinformatics analysis, and target validation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a knowledge managementtool (KMT) for cytogeneticists to rationally interpret genomic data,including array CGH (aCGH) data in patients. In addition to yieldinghighly relevant information about copy number variation in the generalpopulation, the KMT will also yield insights into the underlyingetiologies in a broad range of disorders and diseases. Genome wide copynumber detection, as described in this application, is the most robustand efficient platform for screening genomes for variation, both normaland associated with disease. In one embodiment, the use of the KMTpermits improved accuracy for diagnosing patients through the geneticevaluations conducted in cytogenetic and reference diagnostic labs. Thistool allows a comparison of results against a compilation of geneticinformation derived from thousands of individuals to focus the analysisand permit one to distinguish between diseases and/or conditions anddisregard normal variations in the genome. In one embodiment, there ispredictive or personalized medicine resulting from an analysis of thepatient's genome.

This analysis provides a snapshot of the normal and abnormal copy numbervariations coupled with a linkage to pharmaceuticals and treatmentstargeted to an individual's genetic profile. In particular, oneembodiment permits the identification of those patients who can betreated effectively with a pharmaceutical or those who might have anadverse side-effect from a particular drug. This stratification based oncopy number variations is particularly useful to focus treatment intothe short window that may produce results and reduce any detours ordamaging treatments.

In one embodiment, the information on normal variations and the KMT isused in providing diagnostic assays for medically relevant biomarkersand assisting in the development and research efforts for additionalmarkers. Another embodiment provides “translational medicine” toaccelerate research discoveries to patients as quickly as possible. Thisincludes a CLIA lab performing diagnostic evaluations of the copy numbervariations utilizing both microarray based and non-microarray basedanalyses.

In one aspect of the invention, a database of copy number variantscomprises an major feature of the KMTs of the present invention. In oneembodiment, the database provides information on copy number variantfrequencies from 10,000 individuals (e.g., normals, not displaying atargeted/identified phenotypic effect). Previous studies have shown, forexample, that the frequency of 47,XXY was 1:1,000. Thus, there were only10 such individuals ascertained in the cohort of 10,000 newborns. Assuch, a database of only 1,000 individuals would have resulted in asignificant possibility that this well-known and important chromosomeabnormality would either not have been detected or detected only once.In another embodiment, the database will provide such information forall subgroups of a population (e.g., ethnic groups in the humanpopulation), where designated subgroups can be based on ethnicity,geography, race, or any other identifiable population group or subgroup.

The following sample calculation that illustrates how an interpretationof the significance of a copy number change in a disease state wouldproceed:

A given copy number variant is present in a proportion, p<1, ofindividuals with a given phenotype. A comparison of that figure to theKMT, shows that none in the normal cohort possess this change. Whatfollows is a statistical analysis for different values of (p) and thedatabase size, (n):

TABLE 1 Proportion p Database size n Likelihood of no variants in KMT*0.001 100 0.904792147 0.001 500 0.606378945 0.001 1000 0.367695425 0.0015000 0.006721112 0.001 10000 4.51733E−05 0.01 100 0.366032341 0.01 5000.006570483 0.01 1000 4.31712E−05 0.01 5000 1.49959E−22 0.01 100002.24877E−44 0.1 100 2.65614E−05 0.1 500 1.32207E−23 0.1 1000 1.74787E−460.1 5000  1.6314E−229 0.1 10000 0 0.2 100 2.03704E−10 0.2 5003.50747E−49 0.2 1000 1.23023E−97 0.2 5000 0 0.2 10000 0 0.5 1007.88861E−31 0.5 500  3.0549E−151 0.5 1000  9.3326E−302 0.5 5000 0 0.510000 0 *= (1 − p){circumflex over ( )}n

As the non-limiting example above demonstrates, where the frequency ofthe copy number change in a disease cohort is 0.001 (1/1,000), adatabase of at least 5,000 is sufficient to identify whether thevariation is “normal” or linked to disease. As the size of a database isreduced, the likelihood that the copy number change is not present ishigh (i.e., for a size of 100, it is over 0.9 etc). Of course, this isbut one example, and depending on the frequency of one or more variantsthe required number of individuals in a given database becomescorrespondingly smaller.

In other words, for variants present at higher levels in the diseasegroup, the statistics become significant in databases of smaller sizes.Therefore, where a given gene or gene region is implicated in a givendisorder, while every individual affected by that disease may have someabnormality of that gene, a copy number change is present only in asmall minority. Hence, the confidence level is important for copy numberchange in disease cohorts, even where they are rare in that group. Forexample, there is no debate about the importance of the APP gene inAlzheimer etiology. However, only a small proportion (˜8% at the verymost) have a copy number change (recently described duplication). Thisfinding, however, has dramatic significance if it can be shown thatvirtually no normal individuals have such a variant. Of course, a largedatabase exceeding the required confidence level for a subject or cohortof subjects will necessarily meet the confidence level requirement fordatabases requiring a smaller number of individuals.

Another embodiment includes a variety of products for evaluating thecopy number. These include the normal copy number variation KMT, thecopy number breakpoint KMT, CGH arrays for screening the genome andgenome probes tailored to interrogate the genome Additional products arespecifically focused PCR-based assay kits for the detection ofmicrodeletions/microduplications.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, PCR assays are utilizedand provide an alternative to array analysis. In particular, the PCRassays detect precise boundaries of gene/chromosome variants, at themolecular level, which boundaries are identical in differentindividuals. For example, the molecular boundaries of a microdeletion onchromosome 8 (present in 5% of all normal individuals) was sequenced in100 individuals and is shown to have an identical sequence across thebreakpoint. A feature of this aspect of the invention is that adeletion(s) is detected, not by array analysis, but by the use of asimple PCR assay. This assay is based on the amplification of a junctionfragment present only in individuals that carry this deletion. (e.g.,FIG. 2). This assay converts the detection of a loss by array CGH to oneof a gain by PCR.

Different DNA isolation and PCR techniques are well known in the art.Examples of PCR techniques that can be used in the present inventioninclude, but are not limited to quantitative PCR, quantitativefluorescent PCR (QF-PCR), multiplex fluorescent PCR (MF-PCR), real timePCR (RT-PCR), single cell PCR, PCR-RFLP/RT-PCR-RFLP, hot start PCR andNested PCR. Other suitable amplification methods include the ligasechain reaction (LCR), ligation mediated PCR (LM-PCR), degenerateoligonucleotide probe PCR (DOP-PCR), transcription amplification,self-sustained sequence replication, selective amplification of targetpolynucleotide sequences, consensus sequence primed polymerase chainreaction (CP-PCR), arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR)and nucleic acid based sequence amplification (NABSA).

PCR can be conducted using methods and reagents known in the art. Forexample, the PCR products can be directly sequenced bi-directionally bydye-terminator sequencing. PCR is performed in a 384-well plate in avolume of 15 ul containing 5 ng genomic DNA, 2 mM MgCl2, 0.75 ul DMSO, 1M Betaine, 0.2 mM dNTPs, 20 pmol primers, 0.2 ul AmpliTaq Gold (AppliedBiosystems), IX buffer (supplied with AmpliTaq Gold). Thermal cyclingconditions are as follows: 95° C. for 10 minutes; 95° C. for 30 seconds,60° C. for 30 seconds, 72° C. for 1 minute for 30 cycles; and 72° C. for10 minutes. PCR products are purified with Ampure® Magnetic Beads(Agencourt) and optionally can be separated by capillary electrophoresison an ABI3730 DNA Analyzer (Applied Biosystems).

In one embodiment, a PCR-based approach is real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR). Alternative methods for the simultaneous interrogation ofmultiple regions include quantitative multiplex PCR of short fluorescentfragments (QMPSF), multiplex amplifiable probe hybridization (MAPH) andmultiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), in whichcopy-number differences for up to 40 regions can be scored in oneexperiment. Another approach is to specifically target regions thatharbour known segmental duplications, which are often sites ofcopy-number variation. By targeting the variable nucleotides between twocopies of a segmental duplication (called paralogous sequence variants)using a SNP-genotyping method that provides independent fluorescenceintensities for the two alleles, it is possible to detect an increase inintensity of one allele compared with the other.

In another embodiment, the amplicons are bound to beads using thesequencing element of the nucleic acid tag under conditions that favor asingle amplicon molecule to bind a different bead and amplificationoccurs on each bead. In some embodiments, such amplification occurs byPCR. Each bead can be placed in a separate well, which can be a(optionally addressable) picolitre-sized well. In some embodiments, eachbead is captured within a droplet of aPCR-reaction-mixture-in-oil-emulsion and PCR amplification occurs withineach droplet. The amplification on the bead results in each beadcarrying at least one million, at least 5 million, or at least 10million copies of the single amplicon molecule.

In embodiments where PCR occurs in oil-emulsion mixtures, the emulsiondroplets are broken, the DNA is denatured and the beads carryingsingle-stranded nucleic acids clones are deposited into a well,preferably a picolitre-sized well, for further analysis according to themethods described herein. These amplification methods allow for theanalysis of genomic DNA regions. Methods for using bead amplificationfollowed by fiber optics detection are described in Margulies et al.2005, Nature. 15; 437(7057):376-80, and as well as in US PublicationApplication Nos. 20020012930; 20030068629; 20030100102; 20030148344;20040248161; 20050079510, 20050124022; and 20060078909.

In certain aspects of the invention, nucleic acid molecules (e.g.,genomic DNA) are sequenced utilizing sequencing methods that areconventional in the art. Sequencing can be accomplished through classicSanger sequencing methods which are well known in the art. Sequence canalso be accomplished using high-throughput systems some of which allowdetection of a sequenced nucleotide immediately after or upon itsincorporation into a growing strand, i.e., detection of sequence insubstantially real time or real time. In some cases, high throughputsequencing generates at least 1,000, at least 5,000, at least 10,000, atleast 20,000, at least 30,000, at least 40,000, at least 50,000, atleast 100,000 or at least 500,000 sequence reads per hour; with eachread being at least 50, at least 60, at least 70, at least 80, at least90, at least 100, at least 120 or at least 150 bases per read.

In some embodiments, high-throughput sequencing involves the use oftechnology available by Helicos BioSciences Corporation (Cambridge,Mass.) such as the Single Molecule Sequencing by Synthesis (SMSS)method. SMSS is unique because it allows for sequencing the entire humangenome in up to 24 hours. This fast sequencing method also allows fordetection of a SNP/nucleotide in a sequence in substantially real timeor real time. Finally, SMSS is powerful because, like the MIPtechnology, it does not require a preamplification step prior tohybridization. In fact, SMSS does not require any amplification. SMSS isdescribed in US Publication Application Nos. 20060024711; 20060024678;20060012793; 20060012784; and 20050100932. In some embodiments,high-throughput sequencing involves the use of technology available by454 Lifesciences, Inc. (Branford, Conn.) such as the PicoTiterPlatedevice which includes a fiber optic plate that transmitschemilluminescent signal generated by the sequencing reaction to berecorded by a CCD camera in the instrument. This use of fiber opticsallows for the detection of a minimum of 20 million base pairs in 4.5hours.

In some embodiments, PCR-amplified single-strand nucleic acid ishybridized to a primer and incubated with a polymerase, ATP sulfurylase,luciferase, apyrase, and the substrates luciferin and adenosine 5′phosphosulfate. Next, deoxynucleotide triphosphates corresponding to thebases A, C, G, and T (U) are added sequentially. Each base incorporationis accompanied by release of pyrophosphate, converted to ATP bysulfurylase, which drives synthesis of oxyluciferin and the release ofvisible light. Since pyrophosphate release is equimolar with the numberof incorporated bases, the light given off is proportional to the numberof nucleotides adding in any one step. The process repeats until theentire sequence is determined. In one embodiment, pyrosequencing isutilized to analyze amplicons to determine whether breakpoints arepresent. In another embodiment, pyrosequencing also maps surroundingsequences as an internal quality control.

Pyrosequencing analysis methods are known in the art. Sequence analysismay include a four-color sequencing by ligation scheme (degenerateligation), which involves hybridizing an anchor primer to one of fourpositions. Then an enzymatic ligation reaction of the anchor primer to apopulation of degenerate nonamers that are labeled with fluorescent dyesis performed. At any given cycle, the population of nonamers that isused is structured such that the identity of one of its positions iscorrelated with the identity of the fluorophore attached to thatnonamer. To the extent that the ligase discriminates for complementarilyat that queried position, the fluorescent signal allows the inference ofthe identity of the base. After performing the ligation and four-colorimaging, the anchor primer:nonamer complexes are stripped and a newcycle begins. Methods to image sequence information after performingligation are known in the art.

In another aspect, whole genome-based array CGH analysis can be used toefficiently interrogate human genomes for genomic imbalances at multipleloci within a single assay. The importance of normal copy-numbervariation involving large segments of DNA has been unappreciated, untilnow. Array CGH is a breakthrough technique in human genetics, which isattracting interest from clinicians working in fields as diverse ascancer and IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). The use of CGH microarrays inthe clinic holds great promise for identifying regions of genomicimbalance associated with disease. Advances from identifying chromosomalcritical regions associated with specific phenotypes to identifying thespecific dosage sensitive genes will lead to therapeutic opportunitiesof benefit to patients. Array CGH is a specific, sensitive and rapidtechnique that enables the screening of the whole genome in a singletest. It will facilitate and accelerate the diagnostic process in humangenetics and is expected to have a profound impact on the screening andcounseling of patients with genetic disorders. It is now possible toidentify the exact location on the chromosome where an aberration hasoccurred and it is possible to map these changes directly onto thegenomic sequence.

An array-based comparative genome hybridization (array-CGH) approachprovides one of the most robust methods for carrying out genome-widescans to find novel copy number variants (CNVs). These approaches uselabeled fragments from a genome of interest, which are competitivelyhybridized with a second differentially labeled genome to arrays thatare spotted with cloned DNA fragments, revealing copy-number differencesbetween the two genomes. Genomic clones (for example, BACs), cDNAs, PCRproducts and oligonucleotides can all be used as array targets. The useof array-CGH with BACs is particularly popular, owing to the extensivecoverage of the genome it provides, the availability of reliable mappingdata and ready access to clones. The last of these factors is importantboth for the array experiments themselves, and for confirmatory FISHexperiments.

The use of CGH with arrays that comprise long oligonucleotides (60-100bp) can improve the detection resolution over that achieved using BACs(which starts from 50 kb to, theoretically, a few kb), and was firstimplemented in an assay format that is known as representationaloligonucleotide microarray analysis (ROMA). The principle of ROMA issimilar to that applied in the use of BAC arrays, but to increase thesignal-to-noise ratio, the ‘complexity’ of the input DNA is reduced by amethod called representation or whole-genome sampling. Here the DNA thatis to be hybridized to the array is treated by restriction digestion andthen ligated to adapters, which results in the PCR-based amplificationof fragments in a specific size-range. As a result, the amplified DNAmakes up a fraction of the entire genomic sequence—that is, it is arepresentation of the input DNA that has significantly reducedcomplexity, which leads to a reduction in background noise. Companiessuch as NimbleGen and Agilent Technologies have developed otherlong-oligonucleotide arrays that can be used for direct(non-representational) CGH. The resolution of most availableoligonucleotide arrays is in the 30 to 50-kb range, which will increaseas higher-resolution arrays become available.

Another variation on the array-based approach is to use thehybridization signal intensities that are obtained from spottedoligonucleotides on Affymetrix SNP arrays. Here hybridizationintensities are compared with average values that are derived fromcontrols, such that deviations from these averages indicate a change incopy number. As well as providing information about copy number, SNParrays have the added advantage of providing genotype information. Forexample, they can reveal loss of heterozygosity, which could providesupporting evidence for the presence of a deletion, or might indicatesegmental uniparental disomy (which can also be considered as a form ofstructural variation).

Chromosome banding is one of the most widely used techniques in routinecytogenetics and has been invaluable in the search for chromosomalaberrations causally related to e.g. mental retardation and congenitalmalformation syndromes. Conceptual and technical developments inmolecular cytogenetics are now enhancing the resolving power ofconventional chromosome analysis techniques from the megabase to thekilobase level. Tools that have mediated these developments include (a)the generation of genome-wide clone resources integrated into thefinished human genome sequence, (b) the development of high-throughputmicroarray platforms, and (c) the optimization of comparative genomichybridization protocols and data analysis systems. Together, thesedevelopments have accumulated in a so-called “molecular karyotyping”technology that allows the sensitive and specific detection of singlecopy number changes of submicroscopic chromosomal regions throughout theentire human genome.

Many of the basic procedures followed in microarray-based genomeprofiling are similar, if not identical, to those followed in expressionprofiling and SNP analysis, including the use of specialized microarrayequipment and data-analysis tools. Since microarray-based expressionprofiling has been well established in the last decade, much can belearned from the technical advances made in this area. Examples of theuse of microarrays in nucleic acid analysis that may be used aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,300,063, U.S. Pat. No. 5,837,832, U.S. Pat.No. 6,969,589, U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,138, U.S. Pat. No. 6,858,412, U.S.application Ser. No. 08/529,115, U.S. application Ser. No. 10/272,384,U.S. application Ser. No. 10/045,575, U.S. application Ser. No.10/264,571 and U.S. application Ser. No. 10/264,574. It should be notedthat there are also distinct differences such as target and probecomplexity, stability of DNA over RNA, the presence of repetitive DNAand the need to identify single copy number alterations in genomeprofiling.

Sub-microscopic copy number alterations do not always have phenotypicconsequences, as in some cases identical alterations were found ineither one of the normal parents. This notion has been substantiated byrecent studies revealing the presence of LCVs (large copy numbervariations) in apparently normal individuals. In addition, once it hasbeen established that a copy number alteration has occurred in apatient, it may be that this alteration has not been described before inthe literature, posing serious problems for genetic counseling. However,in due time increasing numbers of these abnormalities will continue tobe documented, either in individual case reports or in publiclyavailable online databases, furthering our understanding of the geneticbasis of these disorders. The KMTs of this invention provide acompilation of information on normal copy number variations to permit anidentification and analysis of those variations of significance.

The development of comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) (Kallioniemiet al, 1992, Science 258: 818-21) provided the first efficient approachto scanning entire genomes for variations in DNA copy number. In atypical CGH measurement, total genomic DNA is isolated from test andreference cell populations, differentially labeled, and hybridized to arepresentation of the genome that allows the binding of sequences atdifferent genomic locations to be distinguished. More than two genomescan be compared simultaneously with suitable labels. Hybridization ofhighly repetitive sequences is typically suppressed by the inclusion ofunlabeled Cot-1 DNA in the reaction. Originally, metaphase chromosomeswere used for the representation of the genome and the location of copynumber variations between test and reference genomic DNA was mapped tothe physical position on the chromosomes.

Now chromosomes have largely been replaced by DNA microarrays containingelements that are mapped directly to the genome sequence (Pinkel et al,1998. Nat. Genet. 20:207-11). The relative hybridization intensity ofthe test and reference signals at a given location is then (ideally)proportional to the relative copy number of those sequences in the testand reference genomes. If the reference genome is normal then increasesand decreases in signal intensity ratios directly indicate DNA copynumber variation within the genome of the test cells. Data are typicallynormalized so that the modal ratio for the genome is set to somestandard value, typically 1.0 on a linear scale or 0.0 on a logarithmicscale. Additional measurements such as fluorescent in situ hybridization(FISH) or flow cytometry (Mohapatra et al, Genes Chromosomes Cancer, 20:311-19) can be used to determine the actual copy number associated witha ratio level.

Array CGH has been implemented using a wide variety of techniques. Theinitial approaches used arrays produced from large-insert genomic clonessuch as bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs). Producing sufficientBAC DNA of adequate purity to make arrays is arduous, so severaltechniques to amplify small amounts of starting material have beenemployed. These techniques include ligation-mediated polymerase chainreaction (PCR) (Snijders et al, Nat. Genet. 29:263-64), degenerateprimer PCR using one or several sets of primers, and rolling circleamplification. BAC arrays that provide complete genome tiling paths arealso available. Arrays made from less complex nucleic acids such ascDNAs, selected PCR products, and oligonucleotides can also be used.Although most CGH procedures employ hybridization with total genomicDNA, it is possible to use reduced complexity representations of thegenome produced by PCR techniques. Computational analysis of the genomesequence can be used to design array elements complementary to thesequences contained in the representation. Various single nucleotidepolymorphism (SNP) genotyping platforms, some of which use reducedcomplexity genomic representations, are useful for their ability todetermine both DNA copy number and allelic content across the genome.

The different basic approaches to array CGH provide different levels ofperformance, so some are more suitable for particular applications thanothers. The factors that determine the performance requirements includethe magnitudes of the copy number changes, their genomic extents, thestate and composition of the specimen, how much material is availablefor analysis, and how the results of the analysis will be used. Manyapplications require reliable detection of copy number changes of muchless than 50%, a more stringent requirement than for other microarraytechnologies. Note that technical details are extremely important anddifferent implementations of the “same” array CGH approach may yielddifferent levels of performance. Various CGH methods are known in theart and are equally applicable to one or more methods of the presentinvention. For example, CGH methods are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.7,034,144; 7,030,231; 7,011,949; 7,014,997; 6,977,148; 6,951,761; and6,916,621, the disclosure from each of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

The data provided by array-CGH (aCGH) are quantitative measures of DNAsequence dosage. Array-CGH provides high-resolution estimates of copynumber aberrations, and can be performed efficiently on many samples.The advent of array-CGH technology makes it possible to monitor DNA copynumber changes on a genomic scale and many projects have been launchedfor studying the genome in specific diseases. For example, chromosomalaberrations play a pivotal role in cancer progression, where knowledgeof genomic instability promises to lead to improved cancer diagnosticsand treatments.

The mechanism of cancer progression involves chromosomal aberrations,including amplification of oncogenes and deletion of tumor suppressorgenes. These chromosomal aberrations are best revealed via array-CGHanalysis. As the effective resolution of array CGH techniques increases,an increasing rate of discovery of medically important dosageaberrations will result. However, interpreting the primary data becomesmore complex due to the need to better understand normal polymorphisms,both in the germline and tumor genome. The further elucidation of dosagepolymorphisms remained experimental rather than a computational endeavorwithout high quality aCGH data available on a very large number ofnormal individuals. Understanding those dosage polymorphisms that aredetectable by array CGH is important so that normal variations are notfalsely associated with disease, and conversely to determine if someso-called normal variations may underlie certain diseasesusceptibilities. The normal variation KMT fills this void.

Copy number abnormalities currently represent a significant untappedopportunity in the field of predictive medicine. Personalized medicineis a component of the molecular diagnostics market, which is the fastestgrowing segment of the in vitro diagnostics market. According to S.G.Cowen and Co., the IVD was a $26 Billion industry in 2004. Within thisindustry, the molecular diagnostics market segment is expected to showthe most robust growth, increasing from $1.8 Billion in 2004 to $3.6Billion in 2009, representing an annual growth rate of 15%.

Specifically, the array CGH procedure includes the following steps.First, large-insert clones such as BACs are obtained from a supplier ofclone libraries. Then, small amounts of clone DNA are amplified byeither degenerate oligonucleotide-primed (DOP) PCR or ligation-mediatedPCR in order to obtain sufficient quantities needed for spotting. Next,these PCR products are spotted onto glass slides using microarray robotsequipped with high-precision printing pins. Depending on the number ofclones to be spotted and the space available on the microarray slide,clones can either be spotted once per array or in replicate. Repeatedspotting of the same clone on an array increases precision of themeasurements if the spot intensities are averaged, and allows for adetailed statistical analysis of the quality of the experiments.

Subject and control DNAs are usually labeled with either Cy3 or Cy5-dUTPusing random priming and are subsequently hybridized onto the microarrayin a solution containing an excess of Cot1-DNA to block repetitivesequences. Hybridizations can either be performed manually under acoverslip, in a gasket with gentle rocking or, automatically usingcommercially available hybridization stations. These automatedhybridization stations allow for an active hybridization process,thereby improving the reproducibility as well as reducing the actualhybridization time, which increases throughput.

The hybridized DNAs are detected through the two different fluorochromesusing standard microarray scanning equipment with either a scanningconfocal laser or a charge coupled device (CCD) camera-based reader,followed by spot identification using commercially or freely availablesoftware packages. Any conventional fluorochrome can be utilized in theinvention. These are well known and commercially available. Specificexamples of detectable molecules include radioactive isotopes such asP³² or H³, fluorophores such as fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC),TRITC, rhodamine, tetramethylrhodamine, R-phycoerythrin, Cy-3, Cy-5,Cy-7, Texas Red, Phar-Red, allophycocyanin (APC), epitope tags such asthe FLAG or HA epitope, and enzyme tags such as alkaline phosphatase,horseradish peroxidase, I²-galactosidase, and hapten conjugates such asdigoxigenin or dinitrophenyl, etc. Other detectable markers includechemiluminescent and chromogenic molecules, optical or electron densitymarkers, etc. The probes can also be labeled with semiconductornanocrystals such as quantum dots (i.e., Qdots), described in U.S. Pat.No. 6,207,392. Qdots are commercially available from Quantum DotCorporation.

Additional examples of reagents which are useful for detection include,but are not limited to, radiolabeled probes, fluorophore-labeled probes,quantum dot-labeled probes, chromophore-labeled probes, enzyme-labeledprobes, affinity ligand-labeled probes, electromagnetic spin labeledprobes, heavy atom labeled probes, probes labeled with nanoparticlelight scattering labels or other nanoparticles or spherical shells, andprobes labeled with any other signal generating label known to those ofskill in the art. Non-limiting examples of label moieties useful fordetection in the invention include, without limitation, suitable enzymessuch as horseradish peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, β-galactosidase,or acetylcholinesterase; members of a binding pair that are capable offorming complexes such as streptavidin/biotin, avidin/biotin or anantigen/antibody complex including, for example, rabbit IgG andanti-rabbit IgG; fluorophores such as umbelliferone, fluorescein,fluorescein isothiocyanate, rhodamine, tetramethyl rhodamine, eosin,green fluorescent protein, erythrosin, coumarin, methyl coumarin,pyrene, malachite green, stilbene, lucifer yellow, Cascade Blue™, TexasRed, dichlorotriazinylamine fluorescein, dansyl chloride, phycoerythrin,fluorescent lanthanide complexes such as those including Europium andTerbium, Cy3, Cy5, molecular beacons and fluorescent derivativesthereof, as well as others known in the art as described, for example,in Principles of Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Joseph R. Lakowicz (Editor),Plenum Pub Corp, 2nd edition (July 1999) and the 6^(th) Edition of theMolecular Probes Handbook by Richard P. Hoagland; a luminescent materialsuch as luminol; light scattering or plasmon resonant materials such asgold or silver particles or quantum dots; or radioactive materialinclude ¹⁴C, ¹²³I, ¹²⁴I, ¹²⁵I, ¹³¹I, Tc99m, ³⁵S or ³H.

Examples of labels include, but are not limited to, chromophores,fluorescent moieties, enzymes, antigens, heavy metal, magnetic probes,dyes, phosphorescent groups, radioactive materials, chemiluminescentmoieties, scattering or fluorescent nanoparticles, Raman signalgenerating moieties, and electrochemical detection moieties. Genotypingusing a microarray can be performed using any of a variety of methods,means and variations thereof for carrying out array-genotyping analysis.

Furthermore, backbone labels are nucleic acid stains that bind nucleicacid molecules in a sequence independent manner. Examples includeintercalating dyes such as phenanthridines and acridines (e.g., ethidiumbromide, propidium iodide, hexidium iodide, dihydroethidium, ethidiumhomodimer-1 and -2, ethidium monoazide, and ACMA); some minor grovebinders such as indoles and imidazoles (e.g., Hoechst 33258, Hoechst33342, Hoechst 34580 and DAPI); and miscellaneous nucleic acid stainssuch as acridine orange (also capable of intercalating), 7-AAD,actinomycin D, LDS751, and hydroxystilbamidine. All of theaforementioned nucleic acid stains are commercially available fromsuppliers such as Molecular Probes, Inc. Still other examples of nucleicacid stains include the following dyes from Molecular Probes: cyaninedyes such as SYTOX Blue, SYTOX Green, SYTOX Orange, POPO-1, POPO-3,YOYO-1, YOYO-3, TOTO-1, TOTO-3, JOJO-1, LOLO-1, BOBO-1, BOBO-3,PO-PRO-1, PO-PRO-3, BO-PRO-1, BO-PRO-3, TO-PRO-1, TO-PRO-3, TO-PRO-5,JO-PRO-1, LO-PRO-1, YO-PRO-1, YO-PRO-3, PicoGreen, OliGreen, RiboGreen,SYBR Gold, SYBR Green I, SYBR Green II, SYBR DX, SYTO-40, -41, -42, -43,-44, -45 (blue), SYTO-13, -16, -24, -21, -23, -12, -11, -20, -22, -15,-14, -25 (green), SYTO-81, -80, -82, -83, -84, -85 (orange), SYTO-64,-17, -59, -61, -62, -60, -63 (red).

The increase in data obtained through high-density arrays requiresstandardized storage systems as well as thorough statistical tools,similar to those required for microarray-based gene expressionprofiling. Owing to the complicated process of producing and hybridizingspotted microarrays, a certain degree of systematic variation does existin the data produced.

Normalization of microarray data is used to eliminate such systematicvariation and, therefore, represents an important preprocessing step inthe analysis of almost all microarray data. After data normalization,automated statistical procedures are required for reliable detection ofgenomic copy number changes. Finally, digitized intensity differences inthe hybridization patterns of the DNAs onto the cloned fragments can beinterpreted as copy number differences between the test and referencegenomes. This technique, once established and validated, allowshigh-throughput DNA copy number screening with a resolution limited onlyby the size of the clone fragments used (typically ˜100 kb using BACarrays).

The information included in the normal copy number variation KMT isobtained by screening the genome of a large population of individualsusing conventional techniques of array CGH. The samples from theseindividuals for evaluation of the nucleic acid may include anyconventional biological sample for obtaining the necessary genomicmaterial. The samples may be cells, blood, bodily fluids, amnioticfluid, biopsies, or tissue. Furthermore, samples can be fresh, fromcells/tissue in culture or from archival cells/tissue, such as frozensamples, Guthrie cards, cord blood, or placenta. Sampling in thiscontext, includes conventional methods in the art of obtaining a bloodsample or cell sample, including buccal, nasal or throat swabs. Inaddition, in one or more methods of the invention, the samples forgenomic evaluation can be obtained from a newborn, child, pre-teen, teenor adult subject. In another embodiment, a sample is obtained viaamniocentesis to provide a DNA sample for genomic analysis.

In one or more KMTs of the present invention, a reference database canbe comprised of evaluations obtained from a ratio of male to femalesubjects. In one embodiment, the ratio is 1:1, or nearly 1:1 or about1:1.

In another aspect, the samples are obtained from a child and the sampleobtained is blood or a buccal sample. In another embodiment, the sampleis obtained from a newborn, and the sample obtained is blood. In yetanother embodiment, the sample is obtained from mixed subject pool wherethe subject is selected from a group consisting of a newborn, infant, achild, a pre-teen, teen, a young adult, a middle-aged adult and an olderadult. For example, a database of normal copy number variants can becompiled from 10,000 individuals, wherein said individuals are comprisedof newborns and young adults, or any combination of age cohorts desired.

The age (i.e., in days or years) for subjects from whom genomicevaluations comprise the KMTs of the present invention includes day 1 today 40 (newborn), infant (age: 1 month to 1 year), 1 year to 8 years(child), 8 years to 12 (preteen years), 12 years to 19 years (teen), 19years to 39 years (young adult), 39 years to 55 years (middle-aged), and55 years to 100 years (older adult).

Moreover, obtaining genomic DNA from a subject is conventional in theart. Genomic DNA (gDNA) can be isolated from one or more cells, bodilyfluids or tissues. Known methods can be used to obtain a bodily fluidsuch as blood, sweat, tears, lymph, urine, saliva, semen, cerebrospinalfluid, feces or amniotic fluid. Similarly known biopsy methods can beused to obtain cells or tissues such as buccal swab, mouthwash, surgicalremoval, biopsy aspiration or the like. Genomic DNA can also be obtainedfrom one or more cell or tissue in primary culture, in a propagated cellline, a fixed archival sample, forensic sample or archeological sample.

Exemplary cell types from which gDNA can be obtained in a method of theinvention include, without limitation, a blood cell such as a Blymphocyte, T lymphocyte, leukocyte, erythrocyte, macrophage, orneutrophil; a muscle cell such as a skeletal cell, smooth muscle cell orcardiac muscle cell; germ cell such as a sperm or egg; epithelial cell;connective tissue cell such as an adipocyte, fibroblast or osteoblast;neuron; astrocyte; stromal cell; kidney cell; pancreatic cell; livercell; or keratinocyte. A cell from which gDNA is obtained can be at aparticular developmental level including, for example, a hematopoieticstem cell or a cell that arises from a hematopoietic stem cell such as ared blood cell, B lymphocyte, T lymphocyte, natural killer cell,neutrophil, basophil, eosinophil, monocyte, macrophage, or platelet.Other cells include a bone marrow stromal cell (mesenchymal stem cell)or a cell that develops therefrom such as a bone cell (osteocyte),cartilage cells (chondrocyte), fat cell (adipocyte), or other kinds ofconnective tissue cells such as one found in tendons; neural stem cellor a cell it gives rise to including, for example, a nerve cells(neuron), astrocyte or oligodendrocyte; epithelial stem cell or a cellthat arises from an epithelial stem cell such as an absorptive cell,goblet cell, Paneth cell, or enteroendocrine cell; skin stem cell;epidermal stem cell; or follicular stem cell. Generally any type of stemcell can be used including, without limitation, an embryonic stem cell,adult stem cell, or pluripotent stem cell.

A cell from which a gDNA sample is obtained for use in the invention canbe a normal cell or a cell displaying one or more symptom of aparticular disease or condition. Thus, a gDNA used in a method of theinvention can be obtained from a cancer cell, neoplastic cell, necroticcell or the like. Those skilled in the art will know or be able toreadily determine methods for isolating gDNA from a cell, fluid ortissue using methods known in the art such as those described inSambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 3rd edition,Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York (2001) or in Ausubel et al.,Current Protocols in Molecular-Biology, John Wiley and Sons, Baltimore,Md. (1998).

A method of the invention can further include steps of isolating aparticular type of cell or tissue. Exemplary methods that can be used ina method of the invention to isolate a particular cell from other cellsin a population include, but are not limited to, Fluorescent ActivatedCell Sorting (FACS) as described, for example, in Shapiro, PracticalFlow Cytometry, 3rd edition Wiley-Liss; (1995), density gradientcentrifugation, or manual separation using micromanipulation methodswith microscope assistance. Exemplary cell separation devices that areuseful in the invention include, without limitation, a Beckman JE-6centrifugal elutriation system, Beckman Coulter EPICS ALTRAcomputer-controlled Flow Cytometer-cell sorter, Modular Flow Cytometerfrom Cytomation, Inc., Coulter counter and channelyzer system, densitygradient apparatus, cytocentrifuge, Beckman J-6 centrifuge, EPICS V duallaser cell sorter, or EPICS PROFILE flow cytometer. A tissue orpopulation of cells can also be removed by surgical techniques. Forexample, a tumor or cells from a tumor can be removed from a tissue bysurgical methods, or conversely non-cancerous cells can be removed fromthe vicinity of a tumor. Using methods such as those set forth infurther detail below, the invention can be used to compare typable locifor different cells including, for example, cancerous and non-cancerouscells isolated from the same individual or from different individuals.

A gDNA can be prepared for use in a method of the invention by lysing acell that contains the DNA. Typically, a cell is lysed under conditionsthat substantially preserve the integrity of the cell's gDNA. Inparticular, exposure of a cell to alkaline pH can be used to lyse a cellin a method of the invention while causing relatively little damage togDNA. Any of a variety of basic compounds can be used for lysisincluding, for example, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and thelike. Additionally, relatively undamaged gDNA can be obtained from acell lysed by an enzyme that degrades the cell wall. Cells lacking acell wall either naturally or due to enzymatic removal can also be lysedby exposure to osmotic stress. Other conditions that can be used to lysea cell include exposure to detergents, mechanical disruption, sonicationheat, pressure differential such as in a French press device, or Douncehomogenization. Agents that stabilize gDNA can be included in a celllysate or isolated gDNA sample including, for example, nucleaseinhibitors, chelating agents, salts buffers and the like. Methods forlysing a cell to obtain gDNA can be carried out under conditions knownin the art as described, for example, in Sambrook et al., supra (2001)or in Ausubel et al., supra, (1998).

In particular embodiments of the invention, a crude cell lysatecontaining gDNA can be directly amplified or detected without furtherisolation of the gDNA. Alternatively, a gDNA can be further isolatedfrom other cellular components prior to amplification or detection.Accordingly, a detection or amplification method of the invention can becarried out on purified or partially purified gDNA. Genomic DNA can beisolated using known methods including, for example, liquid phaseextraction, precipitation, solid phase extraction, chromatography andthe like. Such methods are often referred to as minipreps and aredescribed for example in Sambrook et al., supra, (2001) or in Ausubel etal., supra, (1998) or available from various commercial vendorsincluding, for example, Qiagen (Valencia, Calif.) or Promega (Madison,Wis.).

As used herein, the term “genomic DNA” or “gDNA” is intended to mean oneor more chromosomal polymeric deoxyribonucleotide molecules occurringnaturally in the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell or in a prokaryote, virus,mitochondrion or chloroplast and containing sequences that are naturallytranscribed into RNA as well as sequences that are not naturallytranscribed into RNA by the cell. A gDNA of a eukaryotic cell containsat least one centromere, two telomeres, one origin of replication, andone sequence that is not transcribed into RNA by the eukaryotic cellincluding, for example, an intron or transcription promoter. Aeukaryotic genomic DNA can be distinguished from prokaryotic, viral ororganellar genomic DNA, for example, according to the presence ofintrons in eukaryotic genomic DNA and absence of introns in the gDNA ofthe others.

In certain aspects, the genomic DNA can first be amplified. Accordingly,the term “amplified” is intended to mean a nucleic acid copy in whichthe proportion of each sequence in the copy relative to all othersequences in the copy is substantially the same as the proportions inthe nucleic acid template. When used in reference to a population ofgenome fragments, for example, the term is intended to mean a populationof genome fragments in which the proportion of each genome fragment toall other genome fragments in the population is substantially the sameas the proportion of its sequence to the other genome fragment sequencesin the genome. Substantial similarity between the proportion ofsequences in an amplified representation and a template genomic DNAmeans that at least 60% of the loci in the representation are no morethan 5 fold over-represented or under-represented. In suchrepresentations at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 99% of the loci can be,for example, no more than 5, 4, 3 or 2 fold over-represented orunder-represented. A nucleic acid included in the term can be DNA, RNAor an analog thereof. The number of copies of each nucleic acid sequencein an amplified representative population can be, for example, at least2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 1000, 1×10⁴, 1×10⁵, 1×10⁶, 1×10⁷, 1×10⁸ or 1×10¹⁰fold more than the template or more.

An advantage of the preceding amplification is that a small amount ofgenomic DNA can be obtained from an individual, and amplified to obtainan amplified representative population of genome fragments that can beinterrogated in the methods of the invention. Thus, the methods areparticularly useful for genotyping genomic DNA obtained from relativelysmall tissue samples such as a biopsy or archived sample. Generally, themethods will be used to amplify a relatively small number of templategenome copies. In particular embodiments, a genomic DNA sample can beobtained from a single cell and genotyped.

The invention provides methods of whole genome amplification that can beused to amplify genomic DNA prior to genetic evaluation such asdetection of typable loci in the genome. Whole genome amplificationmethods of the invention can be used to increase the quantity of genomicDNA without compromising the quality or the representation of any givensequence. Thus, the methods can be used to amplify a relatively smallquantity of genomic DNA in a sequence independent fashion to providelevels of the genomic DNA that can be genotyped. Surprisingly, a complexgenome can be amplified with a low processivity polymerase to obtain apopulation of genome fragments that is representative of the genome, hashigh complexity and contains fragments that have a convenient size forhybridization to a typical nucleic acid array.

Furthermore, amplification of genomic DNA in the methods disclosedherein does not require the polymerase chain reaction. Specifically,amplification can be carried out such that sequences are amplifiedseveral fold under isothermal conditions. Thus, although an elevatedtemperature step can be used, for example, to initially denature agenomic DNA template, temperature cycling need not be used. Accordingly,repeated increases in temperature, normally used to denature hybrids,and repeated return to hybridization temperatures need not be used.

For evaluating the copy number of subjects, any conventional biologicalsample may be utilized to obtain genomic DNA. The screening of thesubject to identify copy number polymorphisms may be done using arrayCGH or conventional PCR techniques. The information about the copynumber polymorphisms obtained through either of these methods may becompared against the KMTs for an evaluation of the significance of anyvariation found.

The technology of the invention features a portfolio of knowledgemanagement tools of normal chromosomal variation in the humanpopulation. The rational interpretation of the significance ofchromosomal aberrations in an individual cannot be made withoutreference to normal population variation. Diagnosticians, researchersand pharmaceutical developers who are relying on array CGH data allsuffer from the same dilemma—the question of “what is normal”.

One objective of this invention is the primary knowledge managementtools (KMT) for cytogeneticists to rationally interpret array CGH datain patients. These tools are comprehensive genome-wide analysis toolsfor normal variation. In addition to yielding highly relevantinformation about copy number variation in the general population, thisKMT also yields insights into the underlying etiologies in a broad rangeof disorders and diseases. The advantage of aCGH is that individuals canbe studied on their own merits without having to rely on the statisticalmethods inherent in linkage association, wherein individuals withmultiple genetic etiologies are likely to have been lumped together. Theultimate power of the array CGH based approach lies in the genome widecopy number assessment of patient samples without any a priori knowledgeof the genomic regions involved.

In a an object of the invention, DNA samples are obtained from a subjectto be analyzed to determine genome wide copy number variant, whichanalysis is conducted by one or methods described herein, whereby theoutput from such analysis is compared to a normal copy number variantdatabase of the present invention, so as to determine if detectedvariations are associated with a phenotypic consequence. The subject canbe of any age, gender, and ethnicity as described herein.

Genome wide copy number detection, as described in this invention, isthe most robust and efficient platform for screening individuals toidentify which variations are of significance for many differentaspects. For example, this comparison permits the determination ofvariations associated with phenotypic consequences. It also allows thestratification of subjects within a population to distinguish betweenindividuals based on their reaction to drugs, either good or adverse.This facilitates the segregation of a cohort of subjects responding totherapeutics in clinical trials from those not responding orexperiencing adverse reactions so that the therapeutics may be rescuedand targeted to subpopulations for whom the therapeutic is efficacious.Also, these KMTs can be utilized to follow drugs in use after regulatoryapproval, such as by the FDA, to continue monitoring the drug and itsefficacy or adverse reaction within identified subpopulations of thegroup.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the one or more methodsof the invention described herein are adapted to a solution based assayas opposed to a low density microarray assays. For example, a refinementof the primary product, the normal variation KMT, is a KMT of copynumber variant breakpoints, i.e., the molecular boundaries of theselesions in the population. The KMT allows the detection of copy numberchanges that are frequent in the population utilizing a rapid PCR(Polymerase Chain Reaction) based method rather than an array-basedmethod. (e.g., FIG. 2). This approach allows for the analysis ofhundreds of thousands of individuals for the presence of copy numbervariants of interest, a scale not feasible currently with microarrayanalysis.

Determining the presence or absence of a particular variant or pluralityof variants in various genes or various loci on a gene in a patient withor at risk for developing a genetic based disorder (e.g., cancer) can beperformed in a variety of ways. These tests can be performed usingconventional and well known techniques and sources of the geneticmaterial. For example for array or non-array analyses, one can use DNAor RNA collected from biological samples, e.g., tissue biopsies, urine,stool, sputum, blood, sweat, tears, cells, tissue scrapings, breastaspirates, body fluids or other cellular materials, and can be performedby a variety of conventional methods including, but not limited to, PCR,hybridization with allele-specific probes, enzymatic mutation detection,chemical cleavage of mismatches, mass spectrometry or DNA sequencing,including minisequencing. In particular embodiments, hybridization withallele specific probes can be conducted in two formats: (1) allelespecific oligonucleotides bound to a solid phase (any conventionalmaterial, such as but not limited to, glass, silicon, nylon membranes)and the labeled sample in solution, as in many DNA chip applications, or(2) bound sample (often cloned DNA or PCR amplified DNA) and labeledoligonucleotides in solution (either allele specific or short so as toallow sequencing by hybridization). Diagnostic tests may involve a panelof variants, often on a solid support, which enables the simultaneousdetermination of more than one variant.

For example, the determination of variant involves determining thesequence of the variant site or sites by methods such as polymerasechain reaction (PCR). Alternatively, the determination of the presenceor absence of a kinase activity increasing nucleic acid variant mayencompass chain terminating DNA sequencing or minisequencing,oligonucleotide hybridization or mass spectrometry. In one embodiment,the invention provides a method of screening for variants in a testbiological sample by PCR or, alternatively, in a ligation chain reaction(LCR) (see, e.g., Landegran, et al., 1988. Science 241: 1077-1080; andNakazawa, et al., 1994. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91: 360-364), thelatter of which can be particularly useful for detecting pointimitations in a gene (see, Abravaya, et al., 1995. Nucl. Acids Res.23:675-682). The method comprises the steps of designing degenerateprimers for amplifying the target sequence, the primers corresponding toone or more conserved regions of the gene, amplifying reaction with theprimers using, as a template, a DNA or cDNA obtained from a testbiological sample and analyzing the PCR products. Comparison of the PCRproducts of the test biological sample to a control sample indicatesvariants in the test biological sample. The change can be either andabsence or presence of a nucleic acid variant in the test biologicalsample. Alternative amplification methods include: self sustainedsequence replication (see, Guatelli, et al., 1990. Proc. Natl. Acad.Sci. USA 87:1874-1 878), transcriptional amplification system (see,Kwoh, et al., 1989. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86: 1173-1177); QbReplicase (see, Lizardi, et al, 1988. BioTechnology 6: 1197), or anyother nucleic acid amplification method, followed by the detection ofthe amplified molecules using techniques well known to those of skill inthe art. These detection schemes are especially useful for the detectionof nucleic acid molecules if such molecules are present in very lownumbers.

PCR primers may be designed using a number of available computerprograms, including, but not limited to Oligo Analyzer S.O; OligoCalculator; NetPrimer; Methprimer; Primer3; WebPrimer; PrimerFinder;Primer9; Oligo2002; Pride or GenomePride; Oligos; and Codehop. Detailedinformation about these programs can be obtained, for example, fromwww.molbiol.net. In addition, primers may be labeled using labels knownto one skilled in the art. Such labels include, but are not limited toradioactive, fluorescent, dye, and enzymatic labels.

Analysis of amplification products can be performed using any methodcapable of separating the amplification products according to theirsize, including automated and manual gel electrophoresis, massspectrometry, and the like. Alternatively, the amplification productscan be separated using sequence differences, using SSCP, DGGE, TGGE,chemical cleavage or restriction fragment polymorphisms as well ashybridization to, for example, a nucleic acid arrays. The methods ofnucleic acid isolation, amplification and analysis are routine for oneskilled in the art and examples of protocols can be found, for example,in the Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (3-Volume Set) Ed. JosephSambrook, David W. Russel, and Joe Sambrook, Cold Spring HarborLaboratory; 3^(rd) edition (Jan. 15, 2001), ISBN: 0879695773.Particularly useful protocol source for methods used in PCRamplification is PCR (Basics: From Background to Bench) by M. J.McPherson, S. G. M011er, R. Beynon, C. Howe, Springer Verlag; 1stedition (Oct. 15, 2000), ISBN: 0387916008.

These normal variation knowledge management tools utilize a consistentand robust platform (i.e. tiling path BAC microarrays or othercommercially available arrays) and include typing of at least 100,1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 7,000 or 10,000 normal individuals from a varietyof populations. The KMTs are developed using a systematic, consistent,comprehensive and robust system to generate the core of this technology.While the data generated from different platforms can be consideredequivalent, in practice each system has some inherent methodologicalflaws. However, the system of the invention has a unique strength, suchthat any samples from any platform can be compared to the normal copynumber variation knowledge management tools to distinguish normal fromabnormal variations. The KMTs are used to evaluate the genetic profilesfrom patients to more accurately identify the variations which arelinked to a particular disease state. Additionally another aspect of theinvention includes manufacturing and selling the products of the aCGHtools in the exact format that the (KMTs) was generated. The arrays forthe cCGH are formulated for specific disease states and structured toallow for discrimination among a number of potential diseases withsimilar symptoms. Additionally, for those who do not wish to perform theexperiments themselves, a service is offered to perform the testsemploying the same platform that was used to generate the KMTs.

In one aspect of the invention, the KMTs are utilized in a method ofidentifying the relevance of a copy number variant in a subject, wherebygenome-wide screening of a subject is conducted to identify a copynumber variant, and subsequently, the variant is compared to a databaseof normal copy number variants obtained from a population ofindividuals. The number of individuals is at least 100, 1000, 2000,3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 10,000, 20,000, 30,000,40,000, or 50,000 individuals. Furthermore, the number of normal copynumber variants, included within the KMT is at least 100, 200, 300, 400,500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000,1,000,000, 10,000,000, or 1,000,000,000.

The, array CGH based KMTs (Knowledge Management Tools) enable acytogeneticist and a diagnostician to accurately diagnose asubmicroscopic chromosomal abnormality. This normal variation KMT hasflexible compatibility with any type of array CGH platform creating agold standard for the cytogenetics diagnostic industry.

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in the study ofcommon/complex disorders over the last two decades. The predominanthypothesis which underlies such disorders (schizophrenia, diabetes,obesity, Alzheimer's etc) is the so-called ‘polygenic model’. This modelassumes the existence of multiple alleles, each of weak effect, which,together, result in the phenotype. Large amounts of funding have beenpoured specifically into linkage and association studies in complexdisorders, however the elucidation of functional SNPs or expressionprofiling has not paralleled the promises of the Human Genome,International Hap Map, or Japanese Millennium projects Many singlegene/single mutation disorders result in phenotypes that fall into thecategory of complex/common. For example, microdeletions of chromosome22q11 result in the manifestation of psychosis (schizophrenia) in onethird of all affected adults. This represents a 33 fold increased riskfor schizophrenia in this condition, relative to the general populationrisk of 1%. There is general agreement that the sole and relevantgenetic change in these individuals is the microdeletion at 22q11.Further examples of specific mutations that result in disordersclassically believed to be polygenic are: Congenital Heart Disease,Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and Diabetes.

Congenital Heart Disease is a category of disease that affects 1% of allnewborns and which has traditionally been thought to be complex inetiology but which is likely to result from multiple independent geneticlesions in different individuals, each of which has one major mutation.Possibly involved are microdeletions at 22q11.

With Alzheimer's only a few definite genetic lesions are known to becausative which include mutations in the Presenilins. While these arerelevant in only a small percentage of all affected individuals, it islikely that similar mechanisms will be found to play a role in themajority of individuals.

In Parkinson's disease mutations in alpha-synuclein have been found in asmall number of families. In these individuals, a mutation in that genealone can account for the disease. This is again, evidence against thepolygenic model.

With Diabetes most of what is known points to the involvement of manysingle gene mutations in different individuals.

Some of the conditions or diseases of importance for screening andfurther research include autism, coronary artery disease, Alzheimer'sdisease, Parkinson's, schizophrenia, risk of stroke, diabetes andbipolar disorder. It should be noted that the various embodimentsdisclosed herein above are not meant to be limiting or exclusiveexamples of compositions and methods that would otherwise encompass thepresent invention.

It is believed that the polygenic model, while potentially relevant insome cases, does not need to be invoked universally. The belief is thatphenotypes are complex in the sense that individuals with differing, butunique, mutations may all suffer the same end phenotype. This is becausethe ‘space’ of phenotypes is much smaller than the ‘space’ of genotypes.In other words, the number of potential genetic changes that exist ishuge, while the number of phenotypes that are recognizable is much morelimited in number. Further examples of this phenomenon include mentalretardation (for which dozens of genes are already known on the Xchromosome alone, and many hundreds await identification on the non-sexchromosomes) and anemia, for which over a hundred causes (both geneticand environmental) are listed in standard medical textbooks.

Although the medically relevant markers are identified and developedfrom CGH microarrays and included within the KMT, the subsequentdiagnostic tests for biomarkers resulting from the comparison of theinvention for identifying a particular disease typically are notmicroarray-based. The biomarkers of significance linked to a particulardisease or condition are identified using the KMTs but once identified,the biomarker may be assayed using many conventional assay protocols.For simplicity, cost-effectiveness, manufacturing ease and adequate toequivalent sensitivity, the assays are solution-based. The noveldiagnostic assays are a direct outcome of the KMTs which reveal insightsinto the mechanisms of disease, both common and rare. The business modelincludes in-licensing of important assays and out-licensing ofinternally developed assays via out-licensing of the medically relevantloci and sales of the product essential for performance of the assay.

Generated from the normal variation database, is another KMT that setsforth a genome wide copy number breakpoint map. From understanding theprecise boundaries of these variants at the molecular level comediagnostic assays for all copy number variants. The copy numberbreakpoint map identifies normal variants for comparison to the PCRassays of the genome of subjects. Again it permits one to distinguishcopy number variation of significance.

An additional aspect of the invention involves research and researchservices. There are hundreds of research labs around the world utilizingarray CGH as a means to associate chromosomal number abnormalities, butare limited to associations that define disease etiology. The normalvariation KMTs will be pivotal to these researchers to identify andcharacterize medically relevant loci, because identifying variations issubstantially less significant, if such variations are not compared tovariations in the normal population. The KMTs of the present inventionwill be provided to researchers to permit the building of a “bench tobedside” pipeline of medically relevant biomarkers, by gauging theimportance of chromosomal abnormalities in individuals in disease statesversus individuals in normal states. Through collaboration with theseresearchers, more information will be collected, compiled, added to theKMTs and translated through an in-licensed program of medically relevantloci into diagnostic assays in the CLIA lab. Additionally, services willbe provided that will permit a researcher to send their collections ofpatient samples to the CLIA lab for analysis and evaluation. Thebusiness methods include licensing the use of the KMTs for thoseresearchers who wish to process their own information, back licenses toreceive additional discoveries of biomarkers from the researchers andlicenses for the provision of services. These services include analysisof samples using either aCGH or PCR and/or comparison to the KMTs.

Genetic studies in common phenotypes are likely to yield fruit primarilyif individuals are investigated on their own merits. In other words,phenotypes need to be subdivided until specific genetic changes inspecific individuals are identified. Current studies aim at analysis ofmixtures of individuals with (apparently) identical phenotypes but whoare likely to differ substantially in terms of the underlying geneticcauses. In the case of anemia, this argument is solid. No patient wouldcurrently accept a diagnosis of anemia from his or her doctor (withoutfurther information on the etiology—iron deficiency (genetic/dietary),folic acid deficiency etc), nor would any funding agency worth it's saltcountenance a linkage study in anemia, because the heterogeneity of thisphenotype is now widely accepted. Linkage analysis in anemia (i.e., astudy of hundreds of individuals with anemia, all lumped together) wouldlikely yield inconclusive results.

Along with continuing to build and expand a knowledge base of copynumber variation in the general population, this collaboration andindividual research will also yield insights into the underlyingetiologies in a range of disorders, depending on which patient samplesare collected or acquired for the analysis. The incorporation of arrayCGH results from collaborators through agreements, allows the additionalof anonymous and confidential information, thus adding to thestatistical power of the KMTs. The important point is the study of everyindividual on their own merits, without recourse to the statisticalmethods implicit in linkage/association studies, wherein individualswith multiple genetic etiologies are likely to have been lumpedtogether. It is believed that genome wide copy number detection is themost robust and efficient method for screening genomes for variation,both normal and potentially associated with disease.

Included in the research is basic research involving the analysis of thegenome for gains or losses, that is insertions or deletions, with acomparison to the disease-relatedness. These changes are screened fortheir potential use as informative biomarkers.

Also, included is clinical research which uses the array CGH inlongitudinal studies to provide genomic “snapshots” at various pointsduring the advance of the disease. For example, these snapshots atdiagnosis, after treatments with therapeutics, and during relapseprovide a better understanding of disease progression as well as anevaluation of the genomic instability associated with the disease. Forexample, this is particularly useful with certain cancers. Thismonitoring will improve therapy by assisting in identifying thosesubpopulations and linking them to the therapy. In addition, the CLIAlab is equipped with the infrastructure to run genome-wide array CGHCLIA regulated clinical studies with the capacity to perform dataanalysis for others as a contract service.

Translational medicine is another aspect of the invention providing forthe transfer of the wealth of new data emerging from the internal normalvariation biomarker discovery program and the in-licensed markers (fromthe research services core program) and translating it into directbenefits for patients. This translational medicine will accelerate theavailability of diagnostics by delivering research discoveries topatients as quickly as possible. The CLIA lab is the core facility forcontinuing to research the genome and associate the conditions and/ordiseases and therapies for improved therapy. The CLIA is utilized toperform the analysis of the individuals to continue building andexpanding the KMTs, for screening subjects to obtain genomic informationfor the comparison and for performing any diagnostic assays utilizingbiomarkers identified from the comparisons to the KMTs.

Another facet of the invention is predictive and personalized medicine.Healthcare systems recognize that the personalized medicine approach hasthe greatest potential for treating each patient uniquely, specificallyand optimally. The use of the KMTs is key to interpreting chromosomalchanges relative to certain disease states. Genes involved inpathological chromosomal variants represent targets for therapeutictreatment and the linkage of the genetic makeup to an isolatedpopulation of patients allows personalized treatment. Personalizedmedicine requires more emphasis on IVD and greater cooperation betweendiagnostic and therapeutic organizations in the development of newtechnologies and products but also in review of existing medications.The use of pharmacogenomics and toxicogenomics to compare the patient'ssample against the KMTs for copy number variants allows theidentification of the most effective drugs for certain patientpopulations. Included in this evaluation is the genetic basis of themetabolism of drugs, including toxicity, to assist targeted therapies.Evidence is clear and examples abound where array CGH data is used inpredictive medicine.

Case study #1. Prognostic Indicator—A group at Sloan Kettering has usedthe technology as a prognostic indicator to predict the outcome ofpatients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who will either havea good or poor survival—independent of clinical features that areroutinely used. These small genomic regions associated with the outcomemay be followed up with gene expression studies and may reveal targetgenes important in DLBCL.

Case Study #2. Theranostic Development Tool—Tri-locus Test to PredictDrug Resistance in Ovarian Cancer: Berkeley and UCSF conducted genomewide analyses to identify aberrations that are most strongly associatedwith poor response to treatment with platinum/paclitaxel therapies inovarian cancer. Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) studies ofgenome copy number show recurrent amplification in regions at 3chromosome locations. Berkeley and UCSF have developed markers that canbe used in a variety of assaying techniques to detect theseamplifications. They have identified amplification of the PVT1 gene as apotential predictor of drug resistant ovarian cancer tumors and apromising therapeutic target. The PVT1 gene maps to the region ofamplification at the 8q24 chromosome location that is most stronglyassociated with reduced survival duration in platinum/paclitaxel treatedpatients. The transcription levels of PVT1 are highly correlated withDNA copy number alterations in ovarian cell lines and high levelamplification and/or over expression of the PVT1 gene are significantlyassociated with reduced survival time.

Studies employing PVT1 inhibitors reinforce the value of PVT1 as both apredictive marker and therapeutic target for tumors that are notresponsive to platinum/paclitaxel based therapies. After treating fourcell lines that over express PVT1 with siRNAs that reduce PVT1transcription, Berkeley Lab/UCSF scientists found that cellproliferation was inhibited. siRNA treatment of cell lines that do notamplify or over express PVT1 did not inhibit growth or induce celldeath. These studies indicate that siRNAs or small molecule inhibitorstargeting the gene are promising therapies for chemoresistent tumors.Such therapies might be enhanced when combined with platinum pluspaclitaxel treatment. This group has developed an array of 48 prognosticBAC clones as markers for predicting poor survival of late stage serousovarian cancer patients. The regions that the clones span containsequences located on 13 chromosomes were found to be grade specificmarkers of poor and good prognosis. The prediction method algorithm isbased on the correlation of copy number changes within these 48 regionswith patients' outcome.

This technique has been developed using tumor samples from a cohort of40 patients and was tested on an independent cohort of 30 patients withlate stage serous ovarian cancer, where it predicted survival outcomewith a 77% success rate. These prior studies were performed on a quitesmall scale using small numbers of individuals without correlation tonormal or abnormal copy number variations.

Personalized medicine is especially relevant in the field ofpharmacogenomics. Pharmacogenomics information is especially useful inclinical settings where correlation information is used to prevent drugtoxicities. For example, patients are often screened for geneticdifferences in a gene or chromosomal region, which correlate to aphenotype of medical importance (e.g., disease state). However, only asmall percentage of observed drug toxicities have been explainedadequately by the set of pharmacogenomic markers available to date. Inaddition, “outlier” individuals, or individuals experiencingunanticipated effects in clinical trials (when administered drugs thathave previously been demonstrated to be both safe and efficacious),cause substantial delays in obtaining FDA drug approval and may evencause certain drugs to come off market, though such drugs may beefficacious for a majority of recipients.

The various biotechnological methods used to date to identify targetgenomic regions include, for example, differential gene expression whichessentially looks for differences in gene expression between control andcase samples; protein-protein interaction maps which are used toidentify drug receptors and their immediate effectors; and mining humansequence databases for sequences similar to known disease-related,pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic regulators. In comparison,association studies that correlate and validate genomic regions with aparticular phenotypic trait rely on population genetics and robuststatistical metrics. Association studies provide a powerful tool toobtain greater amounts of information in a shorter amount of time thusreducing costs of research and development efforts. However, the presentinvention provides a more powerful tool than association studiesutilized in the relevant art, because any gene/genome variationidentified in an individual is correlated to the normal variationdatabase provided by the KMT. In the association studies, a phenotype iscorrelated to gross genomic information. However, a particular phenotypewill typically be a result of numerous genotypes.

The KMTs of this invention allow a finer evaluation of the differencesof these genotypes and permit copy number variations to be linked tosmaller subpopulations within the larger group and correlated to aparticular effect, such as better or worse response to a drug.Therefore, drug treatments can be analyzed for efficacy and toxicity.Indeed, copy number abnormalities are key genetic components whichpharmaceutical companies will use to differentiate drug efficacy andadverse reactions in an individual.

Further into the drug commercialization process, drug companies investhundreds of millions of dollars to develop a new product, only to sufferlarge losses due to clinical trial participants having unpredictableeffects (e.g., increased toxicity or inadequate or no response to thetested drug). In order to overcome negative results, obtain regulatoryapproval faster and recoup losses, drug companies need to associateeffects with genetic profiles of clinical trial participants. It wouldbe very advantageous for drug companies to be able to predict whichindividuals in a population will tolerate or respond positively to atested drug, and/or which individuals will experience negative sideeffects or no significant improvement from the drug.

The drug research and development process includes everything from thediscovery of target genomic regions to drug discovery and final productlaunch. This process is currently very lengthy, expensive and risky. Onaverage, it takes fourteen years to develop a product from the initialresearch laboratory period to FDA approval. Any event that delays thecommercialization or development process of a potential drug can costthe affected company a loss of revenue of up to $1 billion annually.Conversely, any change that can accelerate commercialization ordevelopment cycle of a potential drug can bring significant financialbenefits to the affected company that implements such changes.

Accelerated time-to-market not only brings the benefit of earlier salesrevenues but the expanded market share enjoyed by companies that are thefirst to enter a segment before its competitors. This is critical,because the period of market exclusivity for the first drug in a newmarket therapeutic class is typically much shorter than would bedesirable. Consequently, marketing expenditures have increased rapidlyas companies attempt to maintain or increase market share.

In addition to the time-to-market factors, the odds of any compoundsuccessfully making it through all of the steps across fourteen yearsare miniscule. Statistically, out of 5,000 compounds that begin inpre-clinical development, only five make it to clinical trials, and onlyone is likely to reach the market. The combination of long developmentcycles and high failure rates results in an average cost ofapproximately $500 million for making a successful FDA approvedcompound. Therefore, business systems and methods that improve theefficiency and timeliness of regulatory approval are greatly valuable.

Pharmaceutical companies have recognized the need to improve researchand development efficiency by utilizing genomics in their drug discoveryprograms. This effort is necessary for companies to match historicalrevenue growth levels and to meet shareholders' expectations. The driveby pharmaceutical companies for efficiency provides an opportunity forapplication of genome-wide scanning technologies during both theresearch and clinical development cycle.

One example of the application of the business systems and methodsherein can be found in population segmentation. It is generallyacknowledged that most drugs work more effectively for some patientsthan others. Because this variability in patient response is oftenpoorly understood, pharmaceutical companies may unnecessarilydiscontinue further drug development, fail to obtain regulatoryapprovals for promising drug candidates, or if approvals are obtained,be unable to market an approved drug effectively or to obtain approvalfor third party reimbursement.

Genomic differences have long been recognized as influencing howpatients respond to drugs. However, pharmaceutical companies generallyhave not considered genomic differences between patients in developingand implementing clinical trials or in the marketing of approved drugs.By correlating genomic variation with drug response in clinical trials,it is possible to improve the drug development and marketing process.For example, pharmaceutical companies could use the correlation datafrom earlier stages of clinical trials to make more informed decisionson whether or not to continue trials, enter later-phases of trials orwhich patients to enroll in later-stages (e.g., phase III or IV). Forexample, enrolling patients with genetic predisposition for positivedrug response can improve the therapeutic index for these patients andimprove the possibility of regulatory approval.

Furthermore, understanding the correlation between genomic differencesand drug response can enable pharmaceutical companies to improve drugmarketing by identifying segments of the population for whom particulardrugs are likely to be more effective than other drugs, and encouragingphysicians to preferentially prescribe such drugs to these patients. Thebusiness methods include licensing the KMTs to pharmaceutical companiesfor use during their research and clinical trials to interpret andoptimize results as much as possible. Alternatively, there are methodsof forming relationships or partnerships with the pharmaceuticalcompanies to engage in research of the genomic features of the patientpopulation in conjunction with developing clinical trials. As a part ofthe agreement, the business would provide the powerful KMTs and thecompany would provide additional information gleaned about the genomeduring the trials and analysis. Marketing to physicians can beaccomplished by continuing medical education, peer-review journals,Internet, print advertising or direct sale calls. In addition, by usingthe information disclosed herein a company can better market a drug bysegregating a responder population from a non-responder population, orby segregating a population that encounters negative side effects (oreven toxicity) from a population that does not suffer negative effects.This may further allow a company to keep a drug on the market that wouldotherwise be withdrawn or to reintroduce a drug that has already beenwithdrawn due to adverse effects.

Drugs are typically developed to interact with a single version of agene product, e.g., protein or receptor in the human body. A drug maytherefore, for example, only be effective in individuals that have aparticular variation encoding the specific protein or receptor for whichthe drug was designed. Individuals, who do not have a genetically causedvariation in these regions or in regions involved in the metabolism ofthe drug, may not respond to the drug or may experience adverse sideeffects, such as increased toxicity for example.

The methods used by the pharmaceutical industry to develop new drugs andto improve existing drugs may be changed when genetic variations aretaken into account. Genetic variations may play a significant role inall stages of research and development and drug discovery. Geneticvariation information can also be used to improve drugs already on themarket by providing information to better select drugs for a particularpatient.

To further illustrate the difficulties solved herein, drugs caninteract, directly and/or indirectly, with a variety of differentproteins that are encoded and regulated by different genomic regions.Therefore, more than one genomic region can determine how an individualresponds to a given drug. The inventions herein can be used to identifysuch multiple regions. As genetic variations are better understood, itis clear that an individual's response to a given drug is dependent uponthat individual's unique genome or more specifically variations withinthe genome. The information generated can also be used to creatediagnostic kits to identify the genomic markers that are linked toconditions, diseases or results with a drug. These tests can be used todiagnose and to predict the best course of treatment.

A practical approach to understanding why different individuals responddifferently to the same drug is found in grouping individuals togetherbased upon specific genomic similarities or similar CNV patterns. Thesegenomic similarities can occur between unrelated individuals fromdifferent ethnic groups and/or from different geographic regions. Theability to identify and associate genetic variations with a phenotypicstate (e.g., disease and drug responses) across the entire genome,entire populations, or subpopulations, can facilitate the entire drugdevelopment process and can reduce the time-to-market for therapeutics.For example, genetic profiles of select subsets of patient populationsmay be used to enable pharmaceutical companies to identify drug targets,focus on potentially better leads and move quicker into screeningassays. In addition, better drug targets can also provide for safer,more effective points of therapeutic intervention.

Markets that may be addressed by the business systems and methodsdisclosed herein include, but are not limited to, evaluation of geneticvariations and drug response, evaluation of genetic variations toidentify and validate target regions, evaluation of variation andsusceptibility to disease, identification of conserved non-codingregions that may contain gene regulatory sequences, evaluation ofgenetic variations and regulatory regions affecting development, andevaluation of other genotype-phenotype associations with commercialpotential, such as in consumer products and agriculture. Potentialcustomers or partners for genome-wide pattern information, conservedregion information, patient profiling services and other scientificpartnerships include, for example, numerous companies in thepharmaceutical, biotechnology and agricultural industries, as well asacademic centers and government research institutes.

Other potential customers or partners for the business methods disclosedherein include, for example, healthcare providers, insurance companies,government entities (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare) and employers or anyother entity interested in achieving more economical or effective systemfor providing or paying for medical or life insurance. Such parties canutilize association studies, for example, to selectively approveexpensive drugs to patients who are correlated with a susceptibility toan adverse reaction from a generic drug, evaluate better an individual'slikelihood to suffer from disease (or die) prior to underwriting themand selecting more effectively health and life insurance premiums forindividuals. These parties may provide funding and/or sample sources forthe association studies herein correlated to the KMTs for copy numbervariations.

The business systems and methods herein further include, for example,the development of DNA-scanning and wafer technology and use of thattechnology's genome scanning capabilities for identifying commerciallyvaluable genetic regions through research collaboration, and verifyingsuch results using associations studies incorporating the KMTs disclosedherein.

In another embodiment, a result obtained using the methods describedherein is used to analyze genomic variants, or diagnose a disease stateof an individual, for example, a patient. In a further embodiment, themethod of analyzing genomic variants, tailoring personalized drugtreatment, or diagnosing a disease, comprises reviewing or analyzingdata relating to genomic variants obtained for a subject, such as apatient, and compare such data to the KMTs of the present invention,which provide normal copy-number variant data. A conclusion, often inthe form of a report, is then provided to a patient, a health careprovider or a health care manager, the conclusion being based on thereview or analysis of data regarding a disease diagnosis, predispositionto a condition or disease, genetic counseling regarding genomicfindings, or recommendations regarding therapeutic treatment. It isenvisioned that in another embodiment that providing a conclusion to apatient, a health care provider or a health care manager includestransmission of the data over a network so that the report is deliveredin an electronic format.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a representative example logic devicethrough which reviewing or analyzing data relating to the presentinvention can be achieved. Such data can be in relation to a disease,disorder or condition in an individual.

FIG. 8 shows a computer system (or digital device) 800 connected to anapparatus 820 for use with the scanning sensing system 824 to, forexample, produce a result. The computer system 800 may be understood asa logical apparatus that can read instructions from media 811 and/ornetwork port 805, which can optionally be connected to server 809 havingfixed media 812. The system (FIG. 4) includes CPU 801, disk drives 803,optional input devices such as keyboard 815 and/or mouse 816 andoptional monitor 807. Data communication can be achieved through theindicated communication medium to a server 809 at a local or a remotelocation. The communication medium can include any means of transmittingand/or receiving data. For example, the communication medium can be anetwork connection, a wireless connection or an internet connection.Such a connection can provide for communication over the World Wide Web.It is envisioned that data relating to the present invention can betransmitted over such networks or connections for reception and/orreview by a party 822. The receiving party 822 can be a patient, ahealth care provider or a health care manager.

In one embodiment, a computer-readable medium includes a medium suitablefor transmission of a result of an analysis of an environmental orbiological sample. The medium can include a result regarding a diseasecondition or state of a subject, wherein such a result is derived usingthe methods described herein.

In another embodiment, a computer executable logic provides instructionsfor executing a comparison between the results from a subject on one ormore chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., copy number variant). The computerexecutable logic uses data from the KMTs of the present invention,containing information about the frequencies of copy number variant in anormal population, a statistically significant population, astatistically relevant population, or a population of at least 100,1000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 30,000, 40,000 or 50,000 individuals. In apreferred embodiment, the computer executable logic uses data from theKMTs to determine if an observed variant in a subject or cohort ofsubjects correlates to a phenotypic effect, e.g., disease, or correlatesto a normal variant, not correlated to a phenotypic effect, e.g.,disease. The computer executable logic can be utilized to identify in asubject or groups of subjects the efficacy a particular therapeuticagent, toxicity to a particular therapeutic agent (i.e., stratifypatient profiles according to genomic structure variation).

The computer executable logic for determining such correlations isdescribed as comprising an executable code, where the executable code isenabled to perform the method described above, comprising the acts ofreceiving data for one or more subjects or group of subjects, eachproviding a set of values or a data set of values; calculating a set ofvalues for each of the data sets associated with each subject or groupof subjects; selecting the data model that best fit the data, whereinthe best model will be an indication that the frequencies of chromosomalvariations observed in a subject or group of subjects as compared to thechromosomal variations so as to provide diagnostics. Such diagnosticdeterminations include correlations of such variants to phenotypiceffects, including disease, disorders, efficacy or toxicity of candidateor actual therapeutic agents. Such determinations can be made by thecomputer executable logic or an end user, whereby results are displayedto an end user in either electronic or paper format.

Furthermore, any of the information or determinations described hereinabove (e.g., copy number variant frequencies for subjects, groups ofsubjects or KMTs providing variant frequency information for astatistically significant or any relevant population) can be stored on amedium capable of allowing computer executable logic. In someembodiments, a computer executable logic product is described comprisinga computer usable medium having the computer executable logic (computersoftware program, including program code) stored therein. The computerexecutable logic, when executed by the processor, causes the processorto perform functions described herein. In other embodiments, somefunctions are implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, ahardware state machine. Implementation of the hardware state machine soas to perform the functions described herein will be apparent to thoseskilled in the relevant arts.

The KMTs can be provided as a computer program on a computer readablemedium with computer executable logic for receiving information from thegenome of one or more subjects, for comparing this information againstthe database of frequencies of normal copy number variations or the copynumber breakpoint map (the KMTs) and for providing an output on theassessment or result of the comparison, The databases of information oncopy number (KMTs) may be included in the computer program or accessiblewith the program. Being accessible rather than incorporated allows foreasier updates and modifications of the databases.

A computer system which performs the comparisons is also provided and itincludes the ability to input subject genomic information concerningcopy number variations. Ideally, this information may be supplied in adigital format from the screening assay, either CGH or PCR, directly tothe computer system. The computer system also includes or has access tothe databases (KMTs), performs the comparison and provides an outputresult of the comparison.

The business methods allow for the commercialization of the KMTs throughlicenses for access. Part of the commercial product may be the computerprograms for inputting the data, running the most efficient comparisonsand providing an output or just the computer program for accessing theKMTs. Frequently, the licenses may include provisions for back-licensingany additional copy number polymorphisms of significance identified withthe computer program.

Through collaborations with all of the major pharmaceutical and biotechcompanies, the R&D lab performs genome wide copy number scans of thecompany's clinical samples. The genome wide scans are then interpretedusing the internal engine of normal variation in the population. Theresulting information is copy number polymorphisms associated withefficacy and/or adverse reactions of drugs which may be finely targetedto that particular population of patients. Along with the identificationof the polymorphisms are assays designed to test for the presence orabsence of those copy number polymorphisms, which may be used by apharmaceutical company to stratify patients in respective clinicaltrials. Alternatively, according to the business model, afterperformance of the array CGH analysis by others, the CLIA lab performsthe data analysis and interpretation using the normal variation engines.Furthermore, the CLIA will perform clinical assays that are prescribedfollowing data analysis.

A part of the personalized medicine aspect of the present inventionincludes therapeutic rescue. The pharmaceutical industry faces extremelyhigh risks based on difficult realities. Some incredible facts aboutdrug efficacy and toxicity emphasize the importance of a better tailoreddrug treatment regimen. The fifth leading cause of death is adverse drugreaction. Prescribed drugs do not work for patients 40-50% of the timethey are prescribed. This translates to $60 billion annually in the U.S.and $20 billion in Japan, spent annually by consumers for ineffectivetreatments. The majority of potential drug candidates in apharmaceutical company's clinical trial pipeline will never make itthrough the regulatory approval process because of lack of efficacy inenough patients or because of adverse effects in too many patients. Thisfact is a driver in the ever escalating costs for drug development andthe consequent lost billions in development expenditures. A significantpercentage of therapeutic responders or those that do not manifestadverse reactions are deprived of effective medicines when a drug doesnot gain regulatory approval based on traditional clinical trial design,where patients with genetic differences are lumped together withphenotype similarities. Therapeutics already on the market have a highrisk of hurting patients because patient surveillance cannot easily beperformed. The potential indirect medical costs, (i.e. hospitalization)for patients having relied on a medicine only to experience an adverseeffect or lack of efficacy is a staggering financial figure.

All of these facts underscore the value of the KMTs which permit betterevaluation of the genetic makeup of the patients and more focusedtreatment based on their genetic profile. It is broadly accepted that anindividual's genetic makeup is responsible for differentiating a drugresponder from a non-responder. It is also clear that an individual'sgenetic makeup is responsible for differentiating one's level of adverseeffects to a particular drug therapy. Therefore, patient screeningutilizing KMTs of the present invention provides for an effectiveevaluation distinguishing the important variations from those that donot have an effect on the phenotype and disease, or drug therapy. Byutilizing all of this information, the cytogeneticist will generate adiagnostic recommendation from the KMTs. The advantage of the KMTs istheir flexible and universal architecture allowing compatibility withother systems for data analysis and interpretation.

A critically important aspect of this linkage is the rescue of drugsfrom clinical trials by using the KMTs to better stratify patients basedon their genome and identify effective therapeutics for possibly smallergroups of patients. This rescue is possible in both pre-market andpost-market drugs to provide useful drugs which otherwise might havebeen abandoned and the patients not treated. The drugs after approval,such as by the FDA, can be evaluated and patients screened to continuesegmenting the patients based on response as they progress throughstages of disease progress, plateau or improve.

Additional products include CGH microarrays, reagents and downstreamanalysis tools. The microarrays are optimized for use in conjunctionwith the KMTs and are designed to focus on different disease states. Themicroarrays are provided as stand alone products or in conjunction withlicenses to access the KMTs. As a result of the internal copy numberpolymorphism discovery program another product is a portfolio ofmedically relevant bio-markers. These markers are a stand alonemedically relevant marker which can be utilized a diagnostic serviceperformed in its own CLIA lab. The markers are also manufactured andavailable as a fully developed assay to be utilized directly bydiagnostic reference labs or authorized service providers in the U.S. orcountries abroad. These assays can be PCR-based or alternativeamplification and detection methodologies are provided. Anotheralternative is as an out-license for the medically relevant biomarker toplatform companies with unique technology platforms which areestablished in the diagnostic community as turnkey methodologies.

The second of major pipelines contributing to the services menu for CLIAlab will come from the internal bio-marker discovery program. Theinvestments made in the internal bio-marker discovery program will bedriven by market potential. A partial listing of assays of interest are:Autism Coronary Artery Disease Alzheimer's Disease Parkinson'sSchizophrenia Risk of Stroke Diabetes Bipolar Disorder Services of theCLIA facility will be sold domestically by a direct sales force.Strategic Alliance alternatives such as co-marketing agreements withnational labs may be considered as a means for establishing nationwidereach to prescribing physicians.

Assays developed internally will be sold internationally to authorizedservice providers through relationships created by business development.A model for building medical relevance as a consensus in the prescribingcommunity will be built. This is a comprehensive plan in and of itself.However, in general it will encompass the involvement via collaborationswith consortiums of physicians in the specialty areas that pertain tothe medical practices respective of the diagnostic application. Thesewill be higher level business and corporate development activities.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail byway of illustration and example for purposes of clarity ofunderstanding, it is readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart in light of the teachings of this invention that certain changes andmodifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit orscope of the appended claims.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Breakpoint Analysis

Despite the description of many hundreds of copy number polymorphismsand inversions, to date very few have been analyzed in enough detail toallow determination of the precise boundaries at the molecular level

Where a given deletion/duplication/inversion/translocation, which isbelieved to be a benign polymorphism in the normal population, has beenstudied, it has been found that the molecular breakpoints are identicalin unrelated individuals. For example, it was determined that a commonmicrodeletion polymorphism on chromosome 8q24.3 has identicalbreakpoints in 100 unrelated individual studied thus far. Furthermore,recent work on a common inversion polymorphism in Europeans hasdemonstrated identity in unrelated individuals and is consistent with asingle origin of this variant (Gilling et al. 2006).

If a variant is benign, then it is likely to be transmitted in families.Thus, the chromosome 8q24.3 microdeletion described above is inheritedin a straightforward Mendelian fashion in all families so far observed.There is little or no selection against the presence of the variant. Asa corollary, variants that are strongly associated with disease aresporadic (i.e., not inherited). A good example is Williams syndrome,associated with a deletion at 7q11.23—this is a severeneurodevelopmental disorder, which is nearly always (>99%) seen to occurin an individual child within an otherwise normal family. Such deletionsarise de novo in >99% of cases. The rate of de novo genomic changes (atthe level of deletions/duplications) is relatively low in normalindividuals. In other words, it is believed that a normal child willhave very few de novo deletions/duplications in their genome, whencompared to their parents.

As such, copy number variants will each have arisen as unique events insome founder individual (as in the case of the European inversion citedabove). Furthermore, it follows that the rates of given variants will bedramatically different in different populations. For example, the 8q24.3deletion mentioned above, which is present at 5% in Caucasians ispresent at significantly lower levels in Chinese and African-Americans.

Given that ‘benign’ copy number variants will have identical molecularboundaries in different individuals, PCR assays can be utilized toidentify endpoints. Breakpoint analysis in copy number variants can beachieved in a number of ways: The variant chromosome can be isolated insomatic cell hybrids by fusing the human parental cell with a rodentcell line and then testing subclones for the presence of the variantchromosome in the absence of the wild-type chromosome (the majority ofvariants are heterozygous). Once the variant chromosome is isolated,fine mapping analysis is conducted, in the absence of the wild-typechromosome, in a straightforward manner. This ‘conversion of diploidy tohaploidy’ is recognized in the relevant art as important in the analysisof heterozygous mutations. Indeed, commercial applications have beenimplemented based on diploid/haploidy conversion (GMP Genetics, Inc.).However, such applications are based somatic cell hybrid analysis, whichis robust but time-consuming and labor intensive.

With modern methods of creating custom oligonucleotide arrays (Agilent,NimbleGen, CombiMatrix), it is possible to generate an array thatspecifically interrogates the approximate endpoints of the variant, atextremely high resolution (down to 1 bp). While copy number calls cannotaccurately be made on the basis of the behavior of an individual oligo,they can be made by reference to averaging windows and segmentationanalysis, so that PCR primers can be designed for the purpose ofamplifying a novel ‘junction fragment’ at the boundary endpoints. (FIG.2: primers P1-P4).

Such primers can be designed utilizing conventional methods in the art.Basically, this step requires preparing several pairs of oligomers, onemember of which contains a primer that specifically hybridizes withsequences in the DNA flanking the breakpoint (i.e., lesion) and thesecond member containing a primer that hybridizes to some part of a genesituated on the other side of the breakpoint, followed by amplifying theDNA by PCR (FIG. 2). Primer design methods are conventional in the artand are provided in the disclosures of the following patent documents:WO 2002/99129; U.S. Pat. No. 6,423,499; U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,834; U.S.Pat. No. 6,251,607; US 2005/0037414; U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,141.

For example, a tiling oligo array designed around a copy number changeon chromosome 3p was utilized to achieve such mapping (Nittler et al.2005; describing tiling oligo array). Simple sequencing of such PCRamplified junction fragments reveals the precise molecular boundaries ofa variant.

Once the molecular boundaries are known for a variant, a simple PCRassay, at minimal cost, can detect the presence of the variant ingenomic DNA obtained from a test subject or patient, without the addedstep/cost of resorting to an array experiment. For example, primers cansynthesized on an Applied Biosystems (Foster City, Calif.) DNAsynthesizer (Gelmann et al, 1983, Nature 306:700: Bernard et al, 1983,EMBO J 2:2375; Petrini et al, 1987, J. Immunology 138:1940). TemplateDNA can be isolated from a subject utilizing conventional methods in theart. Subsequently, a template DNA (e.g., 200 ng) is subjected to PCRessentially as described by Saiki et al (1988, Science 239:487).Amplification with Taq (Thermus aquaticus) polymerase can be in 100 μlreaction mixtures containing the DNA in 50 mM KCl, 10 mM Tris-HCl (pH8.3 at room temperature), 1.5 mM MgCl₂, 0.01% gelatin (w/v), each primerat 1 μM, each dNTP (dATP, dCTP, TTP, dGTP) at 200 μm. The samples wereheated to 95° C. for 2 minutes, cooled to room temperature (about22°-24° C.) prior to adding 2 units of polymerase and subjected to 25-30cycles of PCR. Amplicons can subsequently be sequenced using methodsconventional in the art.

For example, sequencing is performed by ABI automated fluorescentsequencing machines and fluorescence-labeled DNA sequencing laddersgenerated via Sanger-style sequencing reactions using fluorescentdideoxynucleotide mixtures. PCR products are purified using QiagenQuickSpin columns, the Agencourt AMPure PCR Purification System, or PCRproduct purification kits obtained from other vendors. After PCRproducts are purified, the nucleotide concentration and purity isdetermined with a Nanodrop 7000 spectrophotometer, and the PCR productconcentration is brought to a concentration of 25 ng/μl. As a qualitycontrol measure, only PCR products that have a UV-light absorbance ratio(A₂₆₀/A₂₈₀) greater than 1.8 are used for sequencing. Sequencing primersare brought to a concentration of 3.2 pmol/μl.

An important aspect for utilizing junction fragment PCR, as describedherein above, is that PCR is much more rapid and efficient in terms ofease of use, time and cost in detecting a given copy number change inmany individuals as compared to other platforms. Given that ‘benign’copy number variants will have identical molecular boundaries indifferent individuals, PCR breakpoint genome wide analysis provides amuch faster and less costly assay. For example, one can consider therequirements for determining the 8q24.3 deletion status in 10,000individuals. If an array based approach is used for the determination ofthis specific variant (8q24.3 deletion) in a cohort of interest, and nota genome-wide analysis, then a conservative estimate of the cost is10,000×$300 (per array, including labeling costs etc−a very conservativeestimate)=$3,000,000, which is quite prohibitive.

In sharp contrast, if determination were by PCR, using the specificassay designed to interrogate the endpoints, described herein above, thecost would be many orders of magnitude less. For example, the cost foreach PCR reaction is less than about $1 (i.e., $1 for PCR versus $300for array). Another important consideration is that breakpoint analysiswill be eminently suitable for third world situations/studies, whereaCGH really is impractical technically and financially. However, forglobal genomic analysis, alternative platforms, such as arrays, arenecessary.

Example 2 Array-Based Comparative Genomic Hybridization

It will at once be evident to one of skill in the art, BAC arrays arebut one method for copy number variation analysis. As described in therelevant art and herein above, alternative platforms are available foranalysis of copy number variations (e.g., different array formats;Agilent, Affymetrix, NimbleGen, etc.). A key aspect is that the KMTs ofthe present invention can utilize alternative platforms or modifiedexisting platforms to compile the normal variation database.

Genomic DNAs, can be isolated from blood lymphocytes of 10,000 normal,healthy individuals (50% female; 50% male) to provide DNA—reference ornormal variation DNA. As needed, the first few samples obtained will beused for array validation. Additional genomic DNAs can be isolated fromsubjects with FISH-verified known microdeletion syndromes, from subjectswith dysmorphisms of unknown etiology, or from subjects without anydetectable phenotype suggesting a chromosomal abnormality. Subjects maybe screened by a clinical geneticist and undergo a diagnostic work-up,including routine chromosome analysis without a diagnosis (e.g.,checklist devleoped by de Vries et al. (2001)). Genomic DNAs fromreference or test subjects can be isolated and purified using a QIAampkit (Qiagen), according to the instructions of the manufacturer.

Clone Set.—

A set of well-characterized, colony-purified, and FISH-verified BACclones can be used for array construction. There are several availableBACs libraries. (e.g., RPCI). The BACs can be derived from the RPCI BAClibrary used as the main intermediate substrate for the sequencing andmapping of the human genome (Osoegawa et al. 2001). The set can include32,000 clones selected through a collaboration with other availableclone sets (e.g., the Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute,BACPAC Resources Center, and several other groups to cover the genomewith a 1-Mb resolution (Cheung et al. 2001). The key point is that BACarrays can be selected and combined from various sources. Further, thecompilation of BAC arrays is selected so as to provide high resolutiondetection (100 kb). For example, a tiling path BAC array clone set canwill provide such a level of resolution. Additional clones can be addedto the array, resulting in an even higher-resolution coverage of genomicregions (e.g., regions known to be involved in a particular abnormality,disease or condition), including the subtelomeric regions of all humanchromosomes (77 clones) (Knight et al. 2000) and regions associated withknown microdeletion syndromes (30 clones). Finally, particularchromosomes of interest can be covered with a higher density through theaddition of clones used in previous studies (Veltman et al. 2003b;Zafarana et al. 2003).

Array Preparation.

Genomic target DNAs can be isolated from 12-ml bacterial cultures usingQiagen R.E.A.L. Prep 96 BioRobot kits on a Qiagen BioRobot 9600(Qiagen), following the instructions of the manufacturer. Degenerateoligonucleotide-primed (DOP) PCR or ligation mediated PCR (LM-PCR) canbe performed on isolated DNA from all clones, essentially as describedelsewhere (Telenius et al. 1992), with minor modifications (Veltman etal. 2002). DOP-PCR and LM-PCR are conventional in methodologies in therelevant art. Taq2000 (Stratagene) may be used as a thermostablepolymerase. DOP-PCR products can be dissolved at a concentration of 1mg/ml in a 50% DMSO solution and robotically spotted in triplicate ontoCMT-GAPS coated glass slides (Corning, UltraGaps) using an OmniGrid 100arrayer (Genomic Solutions). The array will consist of subgrids andreplicates are rinted in different subgrids across the array.

Labeling and Hybridization.

Labeling and hybridization can be performed essentially as describedelsewhere (Veltman et al. 2002). In brief, genomic DNA can be labeled byrandom priming with Cy3-dUTP or Cy5-dUTP (Amersham Biosciences). Samplescan be mixed with 120 μg Cot-1 DNA (Roche), coprecipitated, andresuspended in 130 ml of a hybridization solution containing 50%formamide, 10% dextran sulfate, 2×SSC, 4% SDS, and 10 mg/ml yeast tRNA(Invitrogen). After denaturation of probe and target DNA, hybridizationand posthybridization washing procedures can be performed using aGeneTAC Hybridization Station (Genomic Solutions), according to themanufacturer's instructions. In brief, an 18-h hybridization with activecirculation of the probe is performed, followed by fiveposthybridization wash cycles in 50% formamide/2×SSC at 45° C. and fivewash cycles in phosphate-buffered saline at 20° C. Slides were dried bycentrifugation after a brief wash in water.

Image Analysis and Processing.

Slides can be scanned and imaged on commercially available scanners(e.g., Axon scanners). The acquired microarray images can be analyzedusing GenePix Pro 6.0 —(Axon Instruments), as described elsewhere(Veltman et al. 2002). For all further analyses, the median of the pixelintensities minus the median local background can be used for every spoton the array (Cy3 and Cy5, calculated separately). Data normalizationcan be performed in the software package SAS version 8.0 (SAS Institute)for each array subgrid, by applying Lowess curve fitting with asmoothing factor of 0.1 to predict the log 2-transformedtest-over-reference (T/R) value on the basis of the average logarithmicfluorescent intensities (Cleveland 1979). This smoothing factor canresult in the lowest percentage of false positive results while notincreasing the amount of false-negative results in the validationexperiments. A consequence of this smoothing procedure is that theratios of the clones with a copy-number gain or loss are closer to thenormal range of log 2 ratios than in normalization procedures withoutthis smoothing.

Quality Control.

Clones with an SD of the triplicates>0.3 can be excluded in individualexperiments, as well as clones with fewer than two replicates remainingafter such analysis. Statistical analysis available in the art can beutilized to determine spot quality (e.g., BlueGnome, BlueFuse, or anyother software/hardware package designed for aCGH analysis). Excludedfrom all experiments are clones that did not show reliable hybridizationresults in at least four of the five normal-versus-normal controlexperiments. Clones that mapped to the sex chromosomes (e.g., n=163) arenot analyzed in detail. Thresholds for copy-number gain and loss can bedetermined by examining the results of the control experiments and ofpreviously published work and were set at log 2 T/R values of 0.3 and−0.3, respectively. Experiments were excluded when 15% of the clonesshowed intensity ratios outside of these regions. Of the 40 experimentsperformed in this study, 5 experiments did not meet these qualitycriteria. These experiments were successfully repeated. The final dataset is available as a downloadable electronic supplement via the onlineversion of this article.

Analysis of Replicate Experiments.

In addition, a dye-swap experiment for each case (patient or control)can also be performed. For statistical analysis of these twoexperiments, a two-dimensional assay in the software package SAS version8.0 (SAS Institute) can be used, in which reference regions arecalculated containing 99.999% of the data points (P p 0.99999), assumingthat the pairs of normalized ratios follow a bivariate normaldistribution (FIGS. 1B and 1D). Under the assumption of no deleted orduplicated regions, the number of data points outside the resultingellipse is expected to be 1/100,000 # the number of clones on thearray—in our case, 1/100,000#3,343 p 0.03. Clones represented by datapoints outside this reference region in the scatterplot are candidatesfor a microduplication or deletion event. However, since a dye-swapexperiment may be performed for each case, the data points also have tobe located in the correct quadrant of the scatterplot (i.e., a positivesign for experiment 1 [patient 1 vs. control 1] and a negative sign forexperiment 2 [control 1 vs. patient 1] indicates a potentiallyduplicated clone, whereas a deleted clone shows opposite signs in bothexperiments). The a priori thresholds for copy-number gain (log 2 T/Rvalue 0.3) or loss (log 2 T/R value>0.3) are therefore integrated intothe scatterplot to indicate the candidate clones for microdeletion orduplication events.

FISH Validation Experiments.

FISH validation experiments can be performed on metaphase spreadsprepared from patient-derived cell lines using routine procedures. Probelabeling, slide preparation, and hybridization can be carried outessentially as described elsewhere (de Bruijn et al. 2001). A Zeissepifluorescence microscope, equipped with appropriate filters, can beused for visual examination of the slides. Digital images are capturedusing a high-performance cooled CCD camera (Photometrics) coupled to acomputer. Image software (e.g., Image FISH software package (Intergen))can be used for analysis of the FISH images. Inverted images ofDAPI-stained slides can also be used for chromosome identification.

Results.

The output data from the preceding aCGH analysis of 10,000 individualswill provide a database of normal copy number variations which can beused in the KMTs of the present invention to provide genomic assessmentsfor a test subject or patient or groups of the same, in diagnosingdisease or designing therapeutics.

Example 3 Comparative Analysis

Once the reference database is compiled, similar algorithms can beutilized to generate copy number data from test subjects as from thecohorts used to create the normal variation databases. For the databasedescribed in the Example above, such analysis will allow for directcomparison of the results on a given individual with the normal expectedvariation in 10,000 individuals of the same ethnic group.

For example, MySQL or similar applications can be utilized to create thenormal variation databases, using phpmyadmin as a front end. MySQL is amultithreaded, multi-user, SQL Database Management System (DBMS) with anestimated six million installations. MySQL AB makes MySQL available asfree software under the GNU General Public License (GPL), but is alsodual-licensed under traditional proprietary licensing arrangements forcases where the intended use is incompatible with the GPL. In addition,MySQL works on many different platforms—including AIX, BSDi, FreeBSD,HP-UX, GNU/Linux, Mac OS X, NetBSD, Novell NetWare, OpenBSD, OS/2 Warp,QNX, SGI IRIX, Solaris, SunOS, SCO OpenServer, SCO UnixWare, Tru64,Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP and morerecent versions of Windows. Furthermore, ORACLE or other databases canalso be utilized.

The databases will contain the aCGH results compiled for the selectednumber of subjects (e.g., 10,000, as in Example 2, above), including thestatistical output of whichever software package is applied (BlueFuse,GenePix Pro etc). Data will be compiled into various MySQL tables andthese tables will be extensively indexed. In addition, secondary tableswill be created that will allow for internal normalization of aCGHderived ratios. For example, where an aCGH experiment has beenconducted, which is sex-mismatched (male vs. female), ratios will benormalized within such a category. Thus, any ratios on autosomes thatare skewed because of homology of the relevant autosomal region to oneof the sex chromosomes, will be evened out after normalization.Furthermore, ratios for the sex chromosomes will be normalized, so thatcalls can be made on the sex chromosomes, even when the experiment wasconducted as a sex-mismatched one.

Of course, a substantial amount of data will be from sex-matchedexperiments, which will more easily facilitate to identify (“calls”)changes on the sex chromosomes and elsewhere. The use of sex mismatchinghas been popular in the field, because it allows for confirmation thatthe experiment has worked (i.e., by observing the ratios of the X andY).

For example, if a test subject that has been found to harbor 5 copynumber variants, A-E, for each one, a search will be made in thedatabase of the frequency of occurrence of that change within therelevant, ethnically matched, cohort. Depending on the result, astatistical likelihood is provided that the observed copy number variantis significant in the etiology of the test subject's disease (See, Table1, supra).

Therefore, an exemplary report for such a test subject would be:

TABLE 2 Test subject variants Frequency in db A 5% B 2% C 10%  D 1% E 0%

Such a report could also be interpreted in the light of other clinicaldetails. If the test subject has a rare genetic disorder, the obviousimplication is that variant E should be considered causal. However, inthe case of a rare genetic disorder, the responsible clinician cancollect further cases of the rare disorder and test them directly forthe presence of variant E. In the case of a common disorder, such asdiabetes, the variant would be important as well, because said variantcan be a very rare cause of diabetes, but one that yields dramaticinsights into etiology. Statistical analysis will play an important rolein the analyses described above, but without the KMTs and referencedatabase of the invention, identifying the significance of a variant isnot possible.

In summary, the databases will comprise cohorts of 10,000 normalindividuals from differing ethnic groups, using complementary butdifferent platforms. Statistical thresholds will be used to define copynumber changes. These thresholds will vary from platform to platform.Copy number variants in a test subject will be compared directly to theoccurrence of those variants in the databases (matching ethnically).Furthermore, the output will be a list of variants in the subject,together with a frequency of those variants in the databases.Significance of the variant in the subject will be via statisticalconsiderations, as outlined above.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of evaluating copy number variants of asubject comprising: a. obtaining information comprising genomic copynumber from said subject, b. accessing a set of data representing afrequency of occurrence for one or more copy number variants from atleast 100 individuals, c. comparing said information from said subjectagainst said set of data, and d. evaluating copy number variants of saidsubject based on the comparison of step (c).
 2. The method of claim 1wherein said accessing of step (b) and comparing of step (c) arecomputer-implemented.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein said informationfrom said subject is obtained by an aCGH analysis.
 4. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said information from said subject is obtained using PCRanalysis.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising identifying aprobability of said subject possessing a condition associated with acopy number variant.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein said set of datacomprises the frequency information for normal copy number variants. 7.The method of claim 1 wherein said set of data comprises a copy numberbreakpoint map.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said set of data isgenome-wide.
 9. A computer readable medium, comprising a set ofinstructions to cause a computer to perform the steps of comparing inputdata comprising copy number information from a subject's genome againsta set of data comprising frequency data for copy number variants fromthe genome of at least 100 individuals and generating an outputcomprising an evaluation of the copy number variant of said subject. 10.The computer readable medium of claim 9 wherein said set of datacomprises data from at least 1,000 individuals.
 11. The computerreadable medium of claim 9 wherein said data comprises data from atleast 5,000 individuals.
 12. The computer readable medium of claim 9wherein said data comprises data from at least 10,000 individuals. 13.The computer readable medium of claim 9 wherein said set of datacomprises the frequency information for normal copy number variants. 14.The computer readable medium of claim 9 wherein said set of datacomprises a copy number breakpoint map.
 15. The computer readable mediumof claim 9, wherein said set of data is genome-wide.
 16. A method ofidentifying whether a therapeutic is useful for treating a conditioncomprising: obtaining information from the genome of a cohort ofsubjects involved in a clinical trial of a therapeutic for saidcondition, identifying the existence of one or more copy numbervariants, comparing said one or more variants from said cohort to datarepresenting the frequencies of copy number variants in at least 100individuals to determine the relevance of said one or more variants,correlating a success rate of said therapeutic to the existence andrelevance of said copy number variants in said cohort, therebyidentifying said therapeutic as useful.
 17. The method of claim 16further comprising identifying one or more subpopulations from saidcohort in whom the success rate permits the rescue of a therapeutic fromsaid clinical trial.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein said data isfrom at least 1,000 individuals.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein saiddata is from at least 5,000 individuals.
 20. The method of claim 16wherein said data is from at least 10,000 individuals.
 21. The method ofclaim 16 wherein said data comprises the frequency data for normal copynumber.
 22. The method of claim 16 wherein said data comprises a copynumber breakpoint map.
 23. The method of claim 21 wherein said data isgenome-wide.
 24. The method of claim 16 further comprising screening thegenome of said cohort to obtain said information.
 25. The method ofclaim 16 wherein said information comprises data from aCGH.
 26. Themethod of claim 16 wherein said information comprises date from PCR. 27.A method of reviewing the efficacy of a therapeutic approved fortreating a condition comprising: obtaining information from the genomeof a cohort of subjects using said therapeutic for said condition, whichinformation identifies the existence of one or more copy numbervariants, comparing said one or more variants from said cohort to datarepresenting the frequencies of copy number variants in at least 100individuals to determine the relevance of said one or more variants, andcorrelating a beneficial and/or adverse effects of said therapeutic tothe existence and relevance of said copy number variants in said cohort.28. The method of claim 27 further comprising screening the genome ofsaid cohort to obtain said information.
 29. The method of claim 27further comprising identifying one or more subpopulations from saidcohort, which subpopulations are associated with an extent of success ordeleterious affects.
 30. The method of claim 27 wherein said data isfrom at least 1,000 individuals.
 31. The method of claim 27 wherein saiddata is from at least 5,000 individuals.
 32. The method of claim 27wherein said data is from at least 10,000 individuals.
 33. The method ofclaim 27 wherein said information comprises data from aCGH screening.34. The method of claim 27 wherein said information comprises data fromPCR screening.
 35. A method of reviewing the efficacy of a therapeuticapproved for treating a condition comprising: obtaining information fromthe genome of a cohort of subjects using said therapeutic for saidcondition, which information identifies the existence of one or morecopy number variants, comparing said one or more variants from saidcohort to data representing the frequencies of copy number variants inat least 100 individuals to determine the relevance of said one or morevariants, and correlating a beneficial and/or adverse effects of saidtherapeutic to the existence and relevance of said copy number variantsin said cohort.
 36. The method of claim 35 further comprising screeningthe genome of said cohort to obtain said information.
 37. The method ofclaim 35 further comprising identifying one or more subpopulations fromsaid cohort, which subpopulations are associated with an extent ofsuccess or deleterious affects.
 38. The method of claim 35 wherein saiddata is from at least 1,000 individuals.
 39. The method of claim 35wherein said data is from at least 5,000 individuals.
 40. The method ofclaim 35 wherein said data is from at least 10,000 individuals.
 41. Themethod of claim 35 wherein said information comprises data from aCGHscreening.
 42. The method of claim 35 wherein said information comprisesdata from PCR screening.